Saints to Add Scholarship Sport Starting in Fall 2018

Siena Heights University announced it is starting an eSports program that will begin play in fall 2018.

“We believe that adding eSports would be a good addition to our campus and com-
munity,” said SHU President Sister Peg Albert, OP, PhD. “We must make sure we execute it in a manner to make students successful on the playing field, on campus and in the community. According to our research, we are at the beginning of a movement for small colleges and universities to add eSports to their campus.”

A feasibility study for eSports (also known as competitive gaming) was conducted in fall 2017 by a cross-disciplinary feasibility committee composed of leaders representing Student Life and Athletics, Academics, Academic Advising, Admissions and Information Technology. This committee gathered extensive information, including how eSports would impact the athletic, academic, financial and student life areas of SHU.

President Albert said the decision was made to move forward with eSports based on the findings of the committee. It will be a scholarship sport.

“We first asked if competitive gaming fit the mission of Siena Heights University, because this is not just about increasing enrollment, but also expanding the mission of this institution,” she said. “We believe eSports will not only provide opportunities to a new group of students at Siena Heights, but will help build community, which is what we are all about.”

SHU Athletic Director Fred Smith several area universities have started similar programs.

“The definition of ‘athletics’ is constantly changing with the times, and I know competitive gaming is a growing among college students,” Smith said. “I am excited about the possibilities it presents for Siena Heights.”

In August, Thomas Goodman was hired as SHU’s new ESports coach and director. Goodman, who served as an assistant and then interim head men’s soccer coach at Siena Heights last fall, is an avid gamer. He was runner-up in Tetris at the 1990 Nintendo World Championships, and also took part in several Nintendo PowerFest events. A former professional soccer player and Olympic-caliber mountain biker, Goodman also continued to be active in the competitive gaming world. He competed in several Counter Strike competitions and earned a top 100 ranking. From 2005-08, he competed in several eSport tournaments such as the World Cyber Games, and made it to the top 10 list in several games. He was also a beta tester for several games while working in computer programming and design positions. Goodman is excited to bring his experience to Siena Heights.

Goodman earned his bachelor’s degree in education foundations from the University of Oregon and master’s degree in recreation and sport pedagogy with a focus in soccer coaching from Ohio University. He is currently working towards his doctorate in higher education and leadership at Concordia University.

“We are pleased to have Thomas start the eSports program at Siena Heights this fall,” said SHU Athletic Director Fred Smith. “He has extensive gaming experience, and also has experience coaching college athletes. We believe we have someone who can grow and develop this emerging sport here at Siena Heights.”

SHU will add Rocket, League League of Legends and Overwatch to its initial offering of games. The program has also become a member of the National Association of Collegiate Esports organization. SHU becomes the first program in Michigan to do so. NACE organizes its own competitive leagues for each of these titles, and connects collegiate esports programs across the country, enforcing a code of conduct similar to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

“We will be very thoughtful on which types of games our students will be playing,” President Albert said. “Like all of our other athletic programs, the competitive experience for eSports must fit the mission of Siena Heights University. And although this is certainly a non-traditional sport, it builds some of the same skills as our other athletic programs, such as teamwork, the ability to think critically and solve problems. The fact that eSports is a coeducational program was another favorable consideration.”

The University is investing approximately $200,000 in technology, facility upgrades and personnel to begin the program. Space on the third floor of Dominican Hall is currently undergoing renovations and will become the new eSports arena for the Saints this fall.

To see pictures of the Saints eSports team in action, check out our online photo gallery.