By Jacob King
OBU is set to launch its first esports program in the Fall of 2024. Headed by Corey Bolgrin, director of Bison Recreation and Wellness, this program seeks to embrace the fast-growing world of esports.
“Our vision for the esports program is to provide excellence in competitive, recreational and educational gaming experiences that enhance our students’ social, emotional, and physical well-being,” said Bolgrin.
Esports is a team-based video game competition played in an organized and competitive environment. The players/athletes will wear uniforms, receive instruction from coaches, communicate strategies with each other and are supported by fans just like other sports. OBU’s esports program will join nine other schools in the Great American Conference (GAC) and will compete against each other for a conference title. Competitions will be held through various leagues, tournaments and events, offering participants opportunities to pursue career paths in the esports industry.
“This program is a future shaper, not only in terms of career development within the esports industry, but also by offering students the chance to connect and build community,” Bolgrin said.
At the moment, the esports program will focus on the popular team-oriented video games Overwatch 2, Rocket League, Valorant and League of Legends. However, other games will be added as the club gains more members.
“These games require strategy and teamwork, providing students with opportunities to develop essential skills both in and out of the virtual arena,” said David Gardner, assistant director of Bison Recreation and Wellness. Gardner is set to oversee the OBU Esports teams through the bison RecWell Club Sports program.
In addition to the club sports program, the Recreation and Wellness Center will house an esports lounge. This space will include a lounge for fans to watch matches, rent gaming equipment and contain competitive space with gaming PCs where the team would play five on one side and five on the other.
“A lot of times, these teams will have an A and B team or a varsity and junior varsity team,” Bolgin said. “ So they are positioned right next to each other with headsets so they can communicate effectively. High-top tables will be available nearby where the team can review videos, strategize and take notes together.”
Support for the program has been strong from students in the two esports interest meetings held to form the club. Support of esports is also becoming increasingly evident throughout the state. Currently, there are about 230 schools in the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA) participating in esports, according to Amy Cassell, OSSAA assistant director. While some fans will attend events in person, another key element to esports is the streaming aspect.
“Being able to stream esports competitions is a great benefit as it expands our reach and gives fans who enjoy watching esports competitions through personal interest an opportunity to do so,” said Bolgin. “Esports streaming is extremely popular through platforms such as Twitch and Youtube.
As a part of Bison RecWell, OBU’s esports program will also incorporate recreational and community-based gaming, creating a space for students to socialize, connect and build networks. Bolgin also noted the importance of maintaining OBU’s Christian values while engaging in esports
“The esports culture is built on a lot of respect,” he said. “Plus, we can create an environment, and an opportunity to build a bridge to connect with people. Our club sports programs generally encourage participants to pray, conduct Bible studies, and create a positive community together. There is always Christian influence in everything they do. We would also like to translate that philosophy to our esports club teams. Potential new esports game choices will always be vetted by OBU administration to ensure they align with the values of our university.”
Bolgin stressed that adding esports is a powerful example of OBU listening to and meeting the needs of “those shaping the future of our communities and industries.” More information about OBU’s esports program can be found at okbu.edu/esports or by contacting Corey Bolgrin at michael.bolgrin@okbu.edu. For those interested in joining OBU’s Esports Teams, contact David Gardner at david.gardner@okbu.edu for more information.
