Oklahoma Baptist University has stepped into the dynamic world of esports with the launch of its new program in the fall 2024 semester.
On Oct. 8, OBU will host a dedication and grand opening of the Brant and Leslie Hill Bison Esports Arena at 3:30 p.m. in the OBU Recreation and Wellness Center.
Corey Bolgrin, Director of Bison Recreation and Wellness at OBU, and the Bison community are excited about this innovative venture, highlighting it as part of the university’s commitment to providing diverse opportunities for students while fostering connections within the Shawnee community and beyond.
“A great example of that connection is Brant and Leslie Hill, who are outstanding supporters of this exciting new Bison Esports program,” Bolgrin said. “Performance Audio Stillwater has been right there for OBU as the Bison Esports program pushes into an exciting future. The facility came at no additional cost to OBU or the students by way of donations and support.”
The Brant and Leslie Hill Bison Esports Arena is the home of the new Bison Esports program. The facility offers space for video and board gaming. Photo provided.
Esports, a highly organized and competitive environment where team-based video game competitions take place, has become an increasingly popular industry. Players, often referred to as athletes, compete in leagues, tournaments, and events, donning uniforms, receiving coaching, and enjoying fan support. These events offer participants avenues to explore career pathways within the esports industry.
“Our vision for the esports program is to provide excellence in competitive, recreational, and educational gaming experiences that enhance our students’ social, emotional, and physical well-being,” Bolgrin stated. “This program is a future shaper, not only in terms of career development within the esports industry, but also by offering students the chance to connect and build community.”
OBU’s Bison Esports program joined the Great American Conference (GAC) and will compete with 11 other schools for a conference title. OBU’s plans included the development of an esports facility in OBU’s Recreation and Wellness Center, featuring a competitive space with gaming PCs for team play. Bolgrin explained that teams would often have an A and B team or varsity and junior varsity teams, positioned next to each other for effective communication via headsets. High-top tables are available nearby for strategy discussions and video reviews.
Support for esports is growing statewide. The Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA) reports that 120 schools are participating for Esports Fall State Championships. There are even more schools offering esports that do not play in the OSSAA playoffs.
The esports industry was projected to be valued at $4.3 billion in 2024, further underscoring its popularity. Streaming competitions on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube will allow OBU to reach a broader audience, Bolgrin noted.
While Bolgrin oversaw the program’s administrative aspects, David Gardner, assistant director of Bison Recreation and Wellness, is coordinating team procedures and activities. The program initially focuses on popular team-oriented games like Overwatch 2, Valorant, Rocket League, and League of Legends, with plans to expand as membership grows.
In addition to competitive gaming, OBU’s Bison Esports program will incorporate recreational and community-based gaming, offering students a space to socialize and build networks. Esports was also integrated into OBU’s intramural sports.
Bolgrin emphasized the importance of maintaining OBU’s Christian values within the esports program. “The esports culture is built on a lot of respect,” he said. “Our club sports programs encouraged participants to pray or conduct Bible studies together. We would also translate that philosophy to our esports club teams, ensuring new game choices aligned with the values of our university.”
Bolgrin highlighted the program as an example of OBU listening to and meeting the needs of those shaping the future of communities and industries.
For more information about OBU’s esports program, visit okbu.edu/esports or contact Bison Esports at esports@okbu.edu.
