Bevill State Community College is excited to announce the introduction of esports to its Hamilton Campus, with plans to commence competitive gaming activities in the upcoming Fall semester.
The introduction of esports at Bevill State’s Hamilton Campus is a testament to the college’s dedication to staying at the forefront of modern educational trends and meeting the evolving interests of its student body. Esports, which has seen explosive growth in recent years, offers a unique platform for students to showcase their skills, foster teamwork, and engage in competitive play.
“Embracing innovation and fostering inclusive opportunities, Bevill State Community College is proud to announce the launch of our esports team on the Hamilton Campus. Through this initiative, we aim to cultivate a dynamic community where students can thrive, compete, and develop valuable skills for the digital age,” stated Dr. Joel Hagood, President of Bevill State Community College.
As part of this launch, Bevill State will be offering 10 scholarships for esports, opening doors for talented individuals to pursue their passion for gaming while furthering their education. However, the esports program welcomes all interested students to try out for the team, regardless of scholarship availability.
Head Esports Coach Mike Avery commented, “Esports at the community college level embodies the spirit of inclusivity and competition, turning digital battlegrounds into arenas of opportunity, learning, and camaraderie. Here, every click and keystroke aren’t just a move in a game; it’s a step towards building a community where talent, passion, and education converge to redefine the future of sports and entertainment.”
BSCC officials also unveiled a new logo for the esports team, which was created by taking the college’s familiar Grizz Lee Bear logo and using AI technology to give it a more tech-friendly look with gaming headphones and a mic.
“As we embark on this exciting journey into the world of esports at Bevill State Community College’s Hamilton Campus, we recognize the immense potential it holds to engage our students in a dynamic and innovative way. Esports isn’t just about gaming; it’s about teamwork, strategy, and discipline, qualities that transcend the digital realm and shape successful individuals. We are committed to providing our students with opportunities to excel both academically and personally, and the launch of esports represents a significant step towards that goal,” remarked Chris Harris, Bevill State Athletic Director.
The Bevill State Esports Team will be competing as a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Esports league, joining over 200 member institutions and more than 3,000 students on its competitive platform. The NJCAA Esports league offers a diverse array of game titles across three tiers of competition:
- Tier 1 – Premier Series (PS) competition is the top level of NJCAAE competition for members with teams made up of eligible students. Teams participating in this level of competition compete for the title of NJCAAE National Champions in their respective games.
- Tier 2 – Contender Series (CS) competition is the mid-level of NJCAAE competition for members with teams made up of eligible students. Teams participating in this level of competition compete for the title of NJCAAE Contender Series Champions in their respective games.
- Tier 3 – Open Series (OS) competition is the open level of NJCAAE competition for members. Participants do not have to meet any Student Eligibility requirements. This means that NJCAAE members can create teams to engage their local communities! Teams participating in this level of competition compete for the title of NJCAAE Open Series Champions in their respective games.
The Bevill State Esports Team will be competing in a variety of popular game titles, including Apex Legends, Call of Duty, Fortnite, League of Legends, Overwatch, Rocket League, and more.
All competitions will be live-streamed on Twitch, allowing fans and supporters to cheer on the Bevill State Esports Team from anywhere. The coaching staff includes Mike Avery, Head Coach, and member of the Bevill State Information Technology team; Ben Sullins, Assistant Coach, and member of the Bevill State Information Technology team; and Derek McCollum, Assistant Coach and Advanced Engineering Design Technology Instructor. These experienced professionals will ensure comprehensive support for the team’s development and success. For more information about the Bevill State Esports Team and tryout details, interested individuals can contact Mike Avery, Head Esports Coach, at [email protected] or by calling 800.648.3271 ext. 5390.
