A relatively new type of collegiate athletics experience – Esports gaming – is being introduced at Saint Francis this fall.

The goal of this initiative is to attract future students, as well as provide new opportunities for currents students to compete at a high level of competition in a collegiate sports activity that is taking off around the country.  

When choosing schools, students often look for something beyond academics that interests them. Given the growing popularity of Esports, SFU administrators decided to pursue this venture. 

The push toward Esports gaming was initiated by the Center for Student Engagement last academic year. Earlier this month, the new Esports Arena in the lower level of JFK – just down the hall from the new Frankie’s Campus Club – was unveiled. 

“Our goal for Saint Francis Esports is to become a best-practice institution,” said Luke Trotz, Assistant Director for the Center of Student Engagement. 

“When it comes to implementing Esports, not just with competitions, but with program infrastructure and facility management, we want other schools to model their program after ours.”

SFU’s Esports program will compete in the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference.

“Our expectations are to draw the interest of high school students who are looking at colleges and universities,” said Bobby Anderson, Director of Student Engagement and Leadership Development. 

“How we can use social media that ties into gaming to promote the University and introduce it to a new market? We want to see how the Esports program enhances academic offerings.” 

The inaugural Esports team at SFU currently includes 31 members. 

“I’m excited to see how this year plays out,” said Adam Spencer, who will serve as captain of the Red Flash Esports’ Super Smash Brothers Ultimate team in 2019-20.

“I’m excited to see where this program can lead us, especially in the years to come.” 

The team’s schedule has not yet been released, but all competitions will be streamed on Twitch.TV/SaintFrancisEsports.