Barton Community College is set to launch esports into its athletic offerings beginning in the Fall of 2020, joining one of the fastest growing collegiate competitions offered.
Involving organized single and multi-player games with real-time strategy, Barton's esports team will be a member of the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) competing against teams from the four-year and two-year collegiate levels. The membership with NACE is also supported by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) in providing governance, competition and official national championships.
"Esports provides an array of opportunity for students to come to Barton for electronic competition," said Barton Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs. "This program is yet another example of how Barton is providing opportunity for students in and around our service area to attain a college education with scholarship opportunities."
Barton's Multimedia Specialist Curtis Rose has been selected as the Cougars' inaugural Head Coach, launching the program immediately in preparation to full completion in the fall.
"Newly hired head coach Curtis Rose is no stranger to Barton, having worked Center for Innovation & Excellence department for the past six years," Rolfs said. "He brings with him a great understanding of the electronic gaming world and a multitude of experiences within those programs. We are excited to have Curtis, a valued Barton employee, getting this newly formed program off the ground!"
Learn more regarding Coach Rose and Barton's esports program as heard on Cougar Pause
Recruiting is on-going for the program with roster goal of twenty members consisting of both men and women.
A high-speed and high-tech practice and gaming arena is in process of design and construction, located in the Student Union, with fourteen stations consisting of twelve gaming, a broadcast, and a coaching station.
Competition is on a two-semester schedule as Barton's will have head-to-head competitions, as well as, a multi-team structure depending on the game against teams from both the four-year and two-year collegiate level.
Barton will most likely compete in the following games: Rocket League, consisting of 3v3 format; Overwatch of six-member teams, and Fortnite, teams of two competing against a mass of other teams. Other games of exploration stemming from interest and ability with possible Spring 2021 implementation are: League of Legends, Super Smash Bros., Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, FIFA, or Madden.
NACE will assist in the scheduling of games with Barton competing head-to-head in 10-20 matches per season with W-L records plus points accumulated determining rank and possible national championship tournament participation.
Prospective gamer and interested in participating in this new program or would like more information on esports at Barton Community College, contact Head Coach Curtis Rose at RoseC@bartonccc.edu or by phone at 1-877-771-7247.