Texas Wesleyan University has announced that in fall 2018, it will launch varsity esports teams as a part of its new Esports & Gaming program.
The university plans to fill teams for “League of Legends,” “Overwatch,” and “Hearthstone,” and may add additional competitive teams based on student interest. A news release said that player recruitment starts immediately. The teams will be coed and tryouts will take place in early April.
Texas Wesleyan is one of the first universities in Texas to join the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), making the Rams part of a national growing trend in the world of gaming and esports.
“The response we’re getting is incredible,” Dennis Hall, vice president for student affairs, said in the release. “[Dallas-Fort Worth] is a hotspot for esports. We are recruiting new students to join the teams, as well as engaging current TXWES students in the program.”
The university plans to offer up to 12, $2,000 esports scholarships for players based on performance and game history.
“One of the exciting things about collegiate esports is the possibility to compete in several different leagues for each game, as well as bring on new games based on student interest. The opportunities are almost limitless,” Eugene Frier, head of the new esports program said in the release.
The university is working to create a practice and competition space in the Morton Fitness Center for the teams to use in the fall, which will also be run by students.
“We are recruiting streamers, social media experts, and other creatives who have a passion for gaming and want to help shape the future of this program,” Frier said.
The release said the new program aligns with the university’s 2020 Vision to enhance the student experience, as well as support enrollment and retention goals.
“We know that a college education isn’t only about what you learn in the classroom – it is what you learn outside of the classroom, the leadership skills you develop and making lifelong friendships,” Hall said in the release. “We are always looking for new ways to engage students in what they are passionate about, and find opportunities to attract new students to campus. Gaming is going to help us accomplish this.”
