MoWest’s Griffon Esports program has been around for approximately four years, and it has now evolved into a platform where high school Esports players can discover collegiate gaming while developing themselves, better than ever.
(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) MoWest’s Griffon Esports program has been around for approximately four years, and it has now evolved into a platform where high school Esports players can discover collegiate gaming while developing themselves, better than ever.
Alec “Chance” Mueller, Director of Esports for MoWest, has been with the university for a year. He shared that as soon as he arrived, there were rumors about hosting an event like this for local players.
The program has previously hosted summer camps for high school players; now, they’ve adapted to offering a fun first experience in this jamboree, which featured four schools. Mid-Buchanan, Central, Lafayette, and Benton High Schools made their way to campus to hone their skills.
“We’ve been collaborating with (these schools) throughout the year. We donated some PCs out to like Central, talking to Mid-Buchanan and more,” said Mueller. “I’ve been trying to foster relationships between the Esports programs that are close to us, a little bit as a recruiting tool, and also just to support the Esports programs in our local area too.”
Some students, like Logan Bagley, a senior Smash Bros. player at Central High School, are familiar with the Griffon Esports program. Bagley shared that he already plans to attend MoWest next fall and participate in the Griffon Esports program.
“(It’s) nice to see people who love the game and don’t live for the game (here tonight),” shared Bagley. “You do not have to be the best player in the world to be in Esports. I am in no way a professional, and I’m still here.”
Along with Bagley was Central High School Junior Darren Henderson III, who is also a Super Smash Bros player. Henderson was happy to network with other like-minded students from the area, sharing a common love of Esports.
Making new local friends through the activity is a significant thing for Henderson, who shares that he’s also considering a path to Griffon Esports at MoWest.
“It’s a game, and if you’re not having fun, why bother?” stated Henderson. “I like the people you meet and like the friends you’ll make, it’s crazy.”
The rise of Esports on all levels is not to be ignored, especially since receiving recognition is a jamboree.
This milestone was even recognized and celebrated by Benton High School freshman Fortnite player Gabryel Cunningham.
“I think it’s awesome, because it really kind of puts us inside of a similar vein as other sports, and really pushes us into that kind of competitive mindset,” Cunningham shared. “I’ve got to play against people. I’ve got to play with friends, and it’s awesome. I’ve been able to just kind of almost learn new stuff about the game that I’ve played for a long time.”
Teams competed throughout the night, and the Mid-Buchanan Dragon’s Esports team came out victorious as the overall winner of the Inaugural Griffon Esports Jamboree.
To learn more about Griffon Esports at MoWest, click here.