A game changer: eSports launches at NCU

By Nancy Zugschwert, '19 M.A.

There is a new varsity team coming to North Central University in fall 2022: eSports.

Through the North Central Rams Varsity eSports team, students have the opportunity to play video games competitively with teams across the country.

NCU’s varsity eSports team is the first of its kind in the Twin Cities, offering student athletes the chance to engage in competitive online gaming* while also earning a degree. Student athletes will have a coach and the opportunity to apply for scholarships.

The first college eSports program in the nation was launched in 2014. Since then, more than 200 colleges have added eSports program to their varsity sports offerings. While the growth is significant, it is still a small representation when considering the thousands of colleges and universities across the country. Being an early entrant into the eSports arena in Minnesota is a key factor in North Central’s decision to launch a program at this time.

GOOD FIT FOR THE MISSION

Before starting the program, Director of Athletics, Recreation and Wellness Michael Knipe ’19 and his staff did extensive research and concluded that eSports could flourish at North Central. “We see eSports as a fit with North Central’s mission,” Knipe said. He pointed out that NCU’s focus on creating Christian leaders means that students who are active in an activity that is predominant in youth culture will now have a place to combine their faith with their love of gaming.

Launching the program with a state-of-the-art gaming arena and embedding a strong work ethic in the new student athletes will be key to the program’s success, according to Knipe. “By offering a structure and framework for gaming in the context of the academic experience,” Knipe explained, “we will be able to help eSports athletes to develop holistically. Time spent gaming will be structured and balanced with the same accountability we provide for all student athletes, such as weekly grade checks, team spiritual activities, and connections with coaches.” Athletes in the eSports program will receive coaching and instruction in nutrition, health habits such as sleep, and how these factors contribute to mental agility.

Vice President of Academic Affairs Jason Wenschlag, Ed.D., sees several ways Christian liberal arts education can support students who engage in online gaming. “A career in electronic gaming can develop in many ways, beyond playing and competing for prizes,” Wenschlag said. “Students may participate on the marketing side, maybe through computer science and programming, or as an entrepreneur or operations specialist. Regardless of the role, as with any vocation, a Christian liberal arts education can provide those in the electronic gaming industry with the knowledge, wisdom, and faith formation needed to maximize their talents and do great work, love and serve people well, and reflect God’s character in all they do.”

Learn more at northcentral.edu/esports

*The term “gaming,” as referenced in conjunction with North Central’s eSports program, refers to video games that are played in a highly organized competitive environment and does not involve gambling of any kind.