Local Michigan Collegiate Esports Round Table
We’re proud of our home state, Michigan! We invited three representatives from our local Michigan colleges to discuss collegiate esports.
Head coaches Cody Elsen of Northwood University, Colin Graham of Davenport University, and Adam Antor of Aquinas College round table with Checkpoint XP about their esports programs. They address the relationship and comparison between esports and traditional sports, and the support for both students and the parents. Plus, their thoughts on where the future of esports will be in the next few years.
Northwood University
It’s kind of a security thing, for the parents, to explain what we’re doing, what we’re building. Your son or daughter absolutely loves esports, loves gaming, and they’re going to continue to do it. we can put them in an environment where we can help build them. Give them all the tools possible to help get on that path to pro while getting an education.
– Cody Elsen, Esports Head Coach at Northwood University
Davenport University
We’re a fantastic platform for them (students) to reach that point. They’re also going to compete at a high level. They’re going to play some of the best players in the league, at least in their age group. They’re going to get that education, but we don’t stifle it. We don’t say, “No, you can’t.”
– Colin Graham, Esports Head Coach at Davenport University
Aquinas College
What I see in the future is a lot higher scholarship numbers from bigger schools. I’m seeing equivalent scholarship numbers to D1 athletes going to be the star at Michigan, full rides… Our scholarships vary between $4,000 and $10,000 a year in scholarship money, which is no laughing number at all.
– Adam Antor, Esports Head Coach at Aquinas College
Check out our other interviews!
Adam Rosen, Co-Founder of Tespa
Zach Wigal, Founder of Gamers Outreach
Anastasia Staten, ESA Foundation Executive Director
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