MCC Esports team builds momentum, welcomes new players
The glow of computer screens and the click of keyboards filled the room as students gathered for Meridian Community College’s esports interest meeting.
Students who found their way to the College’s Reed Hall room learned more about a team that’s found its place on campus. Coach and advisor Curtis Beckman, who is also MCC’s Software Coding Technology Program coordinator and instructor, welcomed the group with an open invitation. “If you’re interested in esports, you’re in the right place,” he said.
Esports, also known as electronic sports, is organized, competitive video gaming that often involves individuals or teams playing video games under set rules in tournaments or leagues, at amateur or professional levels.
MCC’s team is part of the National Junior College Athletic Association Esports (NJCAAE), a league that connects more than 6,000 students at over 230 colleges across the country. For now, MCC competes at the club level, but Beckman sees this as only the beginning.
“We’re looking at this as an ongoing process,” Beckman said. “There are several games, both team and individual, that students can compete in. Most anybody who shows up can play.”
Currently, MCC focuses on PC-based gaming; Beckman hopes to add more consoles soon.
Esports at MCC began four years ago as a student organization and will be entering the team’s second full season competing in the NJCAAE structure. The league offers three tiers: two competitive levels that lead to championships and one casual tier for fun. MCC has so far focused on Tier 3, where students can enjoy the experience without the pressure of strict scheduling.
“I like it because it’s accommodating for all skill levels,” Beckman said. “If you have fun playing the game, you can still participate.”
Still, there’s room for growth. Beckman has created a rule that students must spend at least one semester in the casual league with a winning record before moving up to the more competitive levels. He’s also considering a qualifying season.
Many of the state’s community colleges field esports teams, and Beckman anticipates the Eagles building on the momentum.
For Beckman, the real victory is creating a community where students can connect. “At the end of the day, esports is about competing, but it’s also about having fun and being part of something bigger,” he said.
To learn more, visit meridiancc.edu/studentlife.