As contact sports are canceled, remote games continue
With intercollegiate sports canceled for fall, esports is still going strong--a way to socially distance while still competing.
Messiah University launched an esports league in response to student interest and the evolving national varsity landscape. Esports, a term used to describe competitive video game environments where players follow rules and regulations and play in front of a live audience. This donor-funded, five-year pilot initiative includes a team of students who compete against other colleges across the U.S.
“Esports is an outlet for amateurs and pros to have a competitive video game scene in the sports world. It is relatable to the NCAA but has its own twist on it that makes it very appealing to many people,” said Ryan Bonus ’21, esports player.
The growth of interest in the sport has grown into higher education students. Esports programs are known to attract students who may have not considered a particular school, making it another opportunity to recruit and retain students while providing them something they enjoy.
“When comparing competitive gaming and casual gaming (with friends), the main differences lie in how you want to play. Competitively, it’s a whole other story. Competitive gaming requires a much higher degree of commitment and understanding,” said Hunter Griffin ’21, esports player.
During non-COVID times, students on the esports team used the newly renovated basement of Mellinger Apartments. The space is equipped with three big-screen televisions and 15 new gaming machines, as well as gaming desks and chairs, providing space for team meetings, practices, scrimmages, competitions and coaching sessions. Now they simply play from their dorms.
“There’s a great deal of excitement around the new coach, team and esports facility, and we have no doubt that this program will contribute to student learning, elevating our reputation of high student engagement and success,” said Kevin Villegas, dean of students.
Students involved in esports practice critical and analytical thinking skills, strategic decision-making, communication skills and team building to be successful.
“Esports games have a whole different atmosphere around it. The players are focused and communicating effectively and working together with lightning-fast synergy to play at their very best. In casual gaming with friends, there is a lot more goofing off,” said esports player Andrew Winner ’23.
Theresa Gaffney, head coach and coordinator of Messiah’s esports program, has worked in collegiate esports for over eight years at institutions including Harrisburg University and Collegiate Starleague. Gaffney is also one of the few female head coaches in the country for collegiate esports teams. “The initiative that I’ve seen in our new players and the community in general is incredibly inspiring, and it’ll be a reason for us all to cheer them on well into the future. I fully expect the program to bring some positive competitive energy, and new opportunities for creativity and friendships to form as well,” said Gaffney.
— Molly McKim ’23