Lycoming News

Pennsylvania College of Technology has launched an esports team, offering students a new competitive outlet. The team will compete against other colleges and universities starting later this month.

"A large portion of our student body consists of active gamers. Establishing a team allows us to formalize that interest in the name of Penn College and facilitate participation for the students in recognized competitions against other schools," said John D. Vandevere, director of athletics. "The team will be a tremendous outlet for the students, and will serve as a campus life enhancement."

Team captain Jonathan W. Best, an electronics and computer engineering major from Downingtown, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative: "The opportunity to play for and be supported by the school is really an amazing experience," he said. "Not only that, but the ability to build on the esports industry and show how exciting competitive gaming is, is incredible."

Esports involves competitive multiplayer video games often watched by nonparticipants. Newzoo, an analytics firm specializing in games and esports, projects that total esports revenues will surpass $1 billion in 2019 with an audience reaching 454 million people. Platforms like ESPN and Twitch are popular outlets for viewing these events.

Colleges are increasingly contributing to esports growth due to student interest in gaming. The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), which began with six schools in 2016, now includes over 125 members. Penn College aims to become Pennsylvania's tenth school and the first Penn State affiliate to join NACE.

In its first season, Penn College's esports team will have around 75 members from various majors competing internally for spots in tournaments.

The team's inaugural competition is the PA Cup at Harrisburg University from March 30-31. Seventeen students from Penn College will participate remotely from Penn's Inn at Bush Campus Center in games such as "League of Legends," "Overwatch," and "Hearth." Spectators can attend starting at 10 a.m. both days.

"We are very excited to play and proudly represent Penn College by vying for the PA Cup," said head coach Joshua D. Young, who also serves as a learning systems administrator at the college. "The interest in our team has been tremendous, and we have a big talent pool to draw from."

Best added: "Having the ability to wear a jersey that tells people 'I support my school and my team' really is something special."

Vandevere noted that forming the squad was part of a yearlong planning process: "A considerable amount of work has gone into developing the team," he said. "It's gratifying to be on the cusp of actual competition."

Throughout the academic year, Penn College plans to compete in various tournaments and individual matches with other schools.