NORTHWEST TRAPPER ATHLETICS IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE START OF IT'S ESPORTS PROGRAM
March 9, 2021
About Esports
Esports is a form of sports competition using video games. In 2019, the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) adopted an Esports league exclusively for two-year colleges. Athletes can compete in a variety of games individually and as a team (2-6 players). Athletes focus their skills on specific games that range from strategy to games currently seen as traditional athletic events such as basketball. Each of the games selected by the NJCAA and Northwest Trapper Athletics will allow athletes to grow individually through the development of critical thinking skills, life skills, teamwork and academically thru the completion of their coursework. The design of Esports also aides in the retention and completion rates for participants.
Facilities
Northwest Trapper Athletics, in cooperation with Computer Services and Physical Plant, has designed an Esports facility around the athletes. This facility is located in a previously unused classroom within the Fab Annex Building. The facility includes 12 gaming stations with the technology needed for athletes participating in Esports, including liquid-cooled computers, high definition monitors, gaming chairs, keyboards, mice and headsets. The Northwest College Foundation aided in the purchase of the gaming stations through a grant, while TCT has provided sponsorship of a behind-the-scenes computer network infrastructure. TCT's sponsorship allows the technology in this room to operate independently from the college's existing computer network.
Recruiting
Northwest Trapper Athletics is actively recruiting its team for Fall 2021. Practices for current students interested will start in April. Currently, four high school seniors have been recruited for Fall 2021. Scholarship opportunities are available beginning in Fall 2021 from the TCT Scholarship Endowment, and just like any other program students will be eligible to apply for academic Trapper scholarships.
Team Size and Requirements
Team sizes can vary, but are expected to exceed 40 athletes. These athletes will compete either individually or in a team of 2 to 6 players. Esports athletes are held to the same standard as other students with the addition of separate athletic department requirements. These will include but are not limited to completing a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester with a GPA of 2.0 or greater, attend team meetings, practices and participate in competitions.
Practices and Coaching
Practices will occur on a set schedule designed to ensure student athlete's success within the classroom and in the Esports environment. Practices consist of athletes focusing on specific goals and improving their skills related to their selected game or games. The Athletic Director will coach the Esports team; the model will be evaluated over time for effectiveness.
Competitions
Competitions occur in a virtual tournament environment where athletes compete against other student-athletes from two-year colleges across the country.
Costs
An Esports team is designed not to incur travel costs but will require the college to pay dues to the NJCAA, support software subscriptions, and repair or replace equipment over time. TCT has agreed to sponsor team gear and offer other support, which will offset some of the college's annual costs associated with this program.