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What are esports? ECU’s director of esports explains

What are Esports? Esports is competitive gaming that is now being embraced by colleges and universities around the country. At East Central University in Ada, Cody Soden is the university’s Director of Esports. SEE ALSO: Konawa senior first student recruited to ECU on Esports scholarship Soden describes esports as the opposite of traditional sports. Where […]

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What are Esports?

Esports is competitive gaming that is now being embraced by colleges and universities around the country.

At East Central University in Ada, Cody Soden is the university’s Director of Esports.

SEE ALSO: Konawa senior first student recruited to ECU on Esports scholarship

Soden describes esports as the opposite of traditional sports. Where traditional sports is physical, esports is electronic, with the entire competition taking place online.

How does it work?

College esports works a lot like traditional sports. Soden says they hold tryouts, and there is a formal recruiting process as well.

However, esports are not overseen by the NCAA, so the rules governing the sport are different.

Esports coaches identify recruits in high school, follow them through their journey, and ultimately have the option of offering them college scholarships.

Who are the people ECU recruits?

Soden says traditional sports often target highly athletic students, who, in addition to physical prowess, often stand out from the crowd.

However, Soden says he’s looking for introverts and gamers who are often not sought after for scholarships.

Soden says his approach creates a unique recruiting opportunity for students to get scholarships who would otherwise be overlooked.





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Ridgewater College to launch eSports program on Hutchinson campus

SUBMITTED PhotoSheldon Mackinnon in the eSports club at Ridgewater College By DEREK TELLIEREditorRidgewater College is gearing up to introduce a new eSports activity this fall on its Hutchinson campus, offering students a chance to connect through competitive gaming while developing digital skills and teamwork.The new eSports program, designed as a club sport, will be open […]

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SUBMITTED Photo
Sheldon Mackinnon in the eSports club at Ridgewater College

By DEREK TELLIER
Editor
Ridgewater College is gearing up to introduce a new eSports activity this fall on its Hutchinson campus, offering students a chance to connect through competitive gaming while developing digital skills and teamwork.
The new eSports program, designed as a club sport, will be open to all Ridgewater students enrolled either part-time or full-time. Much like the college’s clay target teams, the eSports club will provide opportunities for students of all experience levels, from seasoned gamers to curious newcomers, to join teams, compete in tournaments, and hone their skills in strategy, communication, and digital media. A dedicated gaming lounge is also being created to support the activity.
The initiative was proposed last year by Heidi Olson, Ridgewater dean of students, who sought to expand student life offerings on the Hutchinson campus. Unlike the Willmar campus, Hutchinson lacks a gymnasium and therefore does not host traditional sports like volleyball, basketball, or wrestling. eSports, which has seen growing popularity across the state, presented an opportunity to fill that gap.
“This is an activity that has grown in recent years,” Olson said, noting that more than 100 Minnesota high schools and more than 2,000 students were involved in eSports during the past school year. “We hope that by giving high school students a path to continue competing at the college level, we’ll help them stay engaged, build connections, and take on challenges in a fun way while preparing for their careers at Ridgewater.”
The program will be coached and launched by Sheldon Mackinnon, an instructor in Ridgewater’s Nondestructive Testing Technology program.
Mackinnon, a longtime gamer himself, is enthusiastic about mentoring students through this new venture. “Games are great at stimulating our critical thinking by having us make split-second decisions that can win or lose the game,” he said. “When we fail, we rethink, we strategize, and we try again. The video games I played growing up have helped shape who I am today.”
Students and community members can follow the progress of Ridgewater’s eSports club on the Ridgewater Warrior Athletics website at www.ridgewaterathletics.com.
With its fall launch, the eSports club aims to give students a competitive outlet, foster a sense of community, and position Ridgewater College as part of the growing collegiate eSports movement.



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Registration Open for Esports Campus Takeover Hosted by University and Gen.G — Syracuse University News

This past January, Executive Director of Esports Joey Gawrysiak (left) and Gen.G CEO Arnold Hur announced a multi-year partnership designed to enhance student engagement opportunities with such events as the Campus Takeover in September. Syracuse University and global esports and gaming organization Gen.G have opened general registration at campustakeover.gg for its first Campus Takeover Sept. […]

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, Syracuse University Executive Director of Esports Joey Gawrysiak and Gen.G CEO Arnold Hur.

This past January, Executive Director of Esports Joey Gawrysiak (left) and Gen.G CEO Arnold Hur announced a multi-year partnership designed to enhance student engagement opportunities with such events as the Campus Takeover in September.

Syracuse University and global esports and gaming organization Gen.G have opened general registration at campustakeover.gg for its first Campus Takeover Sept. 20-21. The two-day conference will bring students and administrators to Syracuse to highlight career opportunities within the esports industry and various ways in which students can use esports for project-based learning within the careers of their choice.

Campus Takeover will offer diverse programming headlined by the first-ever national Esports Business Case Study Competition for undergraduate students interested in esports, traditional sports and gaming. The event will also feature daily keynote presentations, industry panels for collegiate esports professionals, career panels for students interested in working for the esports industry and daily networking events. Campus Takeover will feed into the University’s Career Week from Sept. 22-26 hosted by Career Services.

“When we announced our multiyear partnership with Syracuse in December, we committed to enhancing student engagement opportunities,” says Gen.G CEO Arnold Hur. “Campus Takeover will provide that opportunity for anyone interested in esports and gaming to learn more about our industry and build an impactful career.”

Syracuse University Executive Director of Esports Joey Gawrysiak at grand opening of Gaming and Esports Center.

Executive Director of Esports Joey Gawrysiak addresses the audience at the grand opening of the Gaming and Esports Center in the Schine Student Center.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to bring Gen.G’s award-winning Campus Takeover event to Syracuse University,” says Executive Director of Esports Joey Gawrysiak. “This partnership represents more than just a high-profile esports event—it’s an opportunity for students, faculty and staff across disciplines and institutions to come together.

“Campus Takeover will showcase what makes esports such a powerful connector in education,” Gawrysiak adds. “We can’t wait to have everyone on our campus as we offer dynamic programming that focuses on professional development, competition and collaboration.”

Gen.G and Syracuse have also partnered on the Gen.G Practicum Abroad, which offers students the opportunity to take part in an intensive, three-week program to study in South Korea. This programming complements the innovative esports communications and management bachelor’s degree at the University offered jointly by the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and the Falk College of Sport, which on July 1, 2025, will launch as the first college on a high-research activity campus to focus on sport-related disciplines.

The esports program includes three tracks: esports business and management, esports communications, and esports media and design. It prepares students for an exciting career in esports and related industries through classes in event management and marketing, broadcasting/production, communications, content creation, entrepreneurship, strategic communications and esports experience and design.



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Park district STEM camps will begin in Newberg next week

Park district STEM camps will begin in Newberg next week Published 5:00 am Thursday, June 19, 2025 If you have a child interested in science, technology, engineering or mathematics the Chehalem Park and Recreation District has a fun line-up of activities on tap this summer. (Staff file photo) Fun line-up of educational activities set for […]

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Park district STEM camps will begin in Newberg next week

Published 5:00 am Thursday, June 19, 2025

If you have a child interested in science, technology, engineering or mathematics the Chehalem Park and Recreation District has a fun line-up of activities on tap this summer. (Staff file photo)

Fun line-up of educational activities set for late June through end of August

If you have a child interested in science, technology, engineering or mathematics the Chehalem Park and Recreation District has a fun line-up of activities on tap this summer.

The district will kick off next week its STEM & Creativity Summer Camps at locations around the city.

“From engineering marvels to artistic masterpieces, our diverse programs are designed to inspire and challenge young minds,” a release said. “Hands-on activities and expert guidance ensures a summer filled with creativity and learning.”

Kicking off the line-up June 23-26 will be the Middle School Esports and STEM Camp, to be held in the Wheeler Sports Complex at George Fox University, a co-sponsor of the event.

“(The camp) will provide an engaging blend of challenges, team competitions and skill building to ensure a dynamic and fun-filled experience for all skill levels,” the release said.

Activities, hosted by university coaches and athletes, will include games like Minecraft, Fortnite, Rocket League, Roblox and others. Participants can also compete in interactive STEM challenges and esports activities and learn teamwork and strategy from experienced collegiate esports athletes and coaches.

The Minecraft Education Pixel Pioneers Camp is set for July 7-11 at district headquarters, 125 S. Elliott Road, and is meant for kids ages 5 to 7. A second camp is set for Aug. 25-29.

“Guided by our enthusiastic Pixel Professor, this hands-on, imagination-fueled camp introduces young builders to the basics of Minecraft Education in a warm and supportive setting,” the release said. “Campers will explore a safe and structured digital world while also engaging in plenty of off-screen fun.”

The Chess Wizards Summer Camp — which features morning, afternoon and full-day versions — is set for July 7-11 at the Chehalem Aquatic and Fitness Center, 1802 Haworth Ave.

“Students will participate in fun variation games, tournaments, lessons and special matches, all while improving their creative problem solving skills and analytical skills,” the release said. “These sessions are not hyper-competitive and the emphasis is always on the enjoyment and love of the game.”

The Minecraft Education Build & Discover Day Camp, designed for kids ages 8 to 11, is set for July 14-18 at district headquarters. Activities each day include Minecraft Education activities focused on engineering, coding and design; STEM challenges that promote critical thinking and creativity; off-screen hands-on projects, group games and physical movement breaks with an emphasis on teamwork, communication and leadership development.

Youngsters can gather at the Chehalem Armory Complex, 620 N. Morton St., on July 21-25 for the JR Lab Rats Science Summer Camp, good for kids ages 6 to 8.

The goal of the camp, the release said, is to provide activities that “improve creativity by encouraging thinking outside of the box, promote team collaboration, develop communication skills, empower critical thinking skills, boost curiosity and help kids to learn how to take initiative.”

The Lego Inventors Journey to STEAM and Lego Coding & Robotics: Journey to STEAM camps, both for kids ages 6 to 11, are set for July 21-25 at a location still to be determined.

The Kinder Science Adventure STEM Summer Camp is set for Aug. 11-15 at the Chehalem Armory Center and is designed for kids 5 to 6 years old.

“In this STEM Summer Camp, we will explore many different challenges geared to our age group. STEM activities improve creativity, by encouraging thinking outside of the box, they promote team collaboration, develop communication skills, empower critical thinking skills, boost curiosity and help kids to learn how to take initiative,” the release said.

The final camp of the series is the Minecraft Education Innovation Camp (ages 8-11) and is set for Aug. 25-29 at district headquarters.

To register for camps visit cprdnewberg.org, phone 503-537-2909 or do so in person at the Chehalem Aquatic and Fitness Center, 1802 Haworth Ave.



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Hasbro’s Bradley Bowman discusses new launches aimed at adult fans of Transformers, Power Rangers and more

Hasbro’s Bradley Bowman discusses new launches aimed at adult fans of Transformers, Power Rangers and more – Brands Untapped Bradley Bowman – Hasbro’s Senior Director of Global Licensed Toy and Game – discusses targeting adult fans. Stay up to date with the latest news, interviews and opinions with our […]

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Hasbro’s Bradley Bowman discusses new launches aimed at adult fans of Transformers, Power Rangers and more – Brands Untapped






















Bradley Bowman – Hasbro’s Senior Director of Global Licensed Toy and Game – discusses targeting adult fans.





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Episode 25 Reveals Major Secrets

Image Via CloverWorks WIND BREAKER Season 2 is almost ending now. Episode 12, which is also Episode 25 if you count them all together, is gonna be the last one for this season. The title of the episode is “Strength for Whose Sake”, and it’s airing on June 19, Thursday. You can watch it on […]

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WIND BREAKER Season 2 is almost ending now. Episode 12, which is also Episode 25 if you count them all together, is gonna be the last one for this season. The title of the episode is “Strength for Whose Sake”, and it’s airing on June 19, Thursday. You can watch it on Crunchyroll, where the whole season is being stream as part of the Spring 2025 anime show.

This episode happens mostly on top of Furin High School, where stuff finally comes together. Sakura, Nirei, and Suo get called up there. Waiting for them are Four Kings, their second-in-commands, and Sugishita, who usually helps Umemiya. It Seems like Umemiya already got the whole story from Tsubakino about all chaos lately with KEEL and GRAVEL.

Now he’s calling them to talk seriously—about Endo, that guy who is behind everything. Also, the truth of how Bofurin starts is revealed, including some darker things that form along with it… kinda like a hidden shadow nobody even notices at first.

The last episode is directed by Toshifumi Akai, who also did the storyboard. The writing comes from Hiroshi Seko, and Shiori Tanaka also helped with the scenario. Animation leads are Taishi Kawakami and Yusuke Tanaka, who make sure stuff looks clean and nice. The music is done by Ryo Takahashi, putting the right mood in all the serious parts.

Voice Cast Bringing the Heat

All the main voice actors are still here.

  • Yuma Uchida plays as Haruka Sakura.
  • Yuichi Nakamura is playing Hajime Umemiya.
  • Ikumi Hasegawa does voice for Kotoha.
  • Shoya Chiba as Nirei is still on.
  • Nobunaga Shimazaki is voicing Suo.

There are also Koki Uchiyama, Ryota Suzuki, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Toshiyuki Toyonaga, and Daisuke Ono are now joining the cast too.

The Manga is Still Going Strong

The anime was based on manga by Satoru Nii, and it is still updated on Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket. Kodansha USA is putting the English version out too. The main story is about Haruka, who comes to Furin High. Everyone says it’s a school with delinquents, but actually, there’s a Bofurin group who protect the town and do not make it worse.

With all the fighting and conversations, Haruka slowly understands that strength doesn’t just mean hitting harder. It also means protecting someone, and letting yourself be protected sometimes, too.

So now with the final episode coming, WIND BREAKER Season 2 is heading for a big finish. There’s drama, tension, and truth that have been hiding for a while. Fans who watched until now definitely don’t wanna miss it. Let’s see how all those bonds are gonna hold when everything is out. The episode airs June 19—don’t miss it!

Written By “Sujoy Bhowmik – India Today Gaming”



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Here are the Herald-News baseball stars who made the 2025 IHSBCA All-State Team – Shaw Local

The 2025 Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association All-State Team was released this week. Players were nominated by their coaches and then selected by the IHSBCA board. In Class 4A, both Minooka and Providence Catholic had two players selected as IHSBCA All-State – Minooka seniors CJ Deckinga and Brayden Zillis and Providence Catholic seniors Enzo […]

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The 2025 Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association All-State Team was released this week. Players were nominated by their coaches and then selected by the IHSBCA board.

In Class 4A, both Minooka and Providence Catholic had two players selected as IHSBCA All-State – Minooka seniors CJ Deckinga and Brayden Zillis and Providence Catholic seniors Enzo Infelise and Nate O’Donnell. Also honored in 4A were Plainfield Central senior JT Augustyniak and Lincoln-Way West senior Conor Essenburg.

In Class 3A, Morris senior Jack Wheeler and Lemont senior Shea Glotzbach were All-State. Lemont senior Jacob Parr received honorable mention.

Wilmington's Lucas Rink, right, runs home as Bishop McNamara's Devin Arbour waits on a throw during the Class 2A Beecher Sectional championship game Saturday, May 31, 2025.

In 2A, Wilmington had a pair of seniors honored. Lucas Rink was tabbed All-State, with teammate Kyle Farrell receiving honorable mention.

In Class 1A, Dwight junior Joey Starks was selected.

Players will be honored July 29 in Chicago before the White Sox’s home game.



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