Bobcats First College in Wisconsin to Start Esports Through the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE)

Wauwatosa, WI (December 12, 2018) – Bryant & Stratton College - Wisconsin announced today its athletics department is launching a competitive esports program starting in fall 2019 at its Wauwatosa Campus.

Bryant & Stratton will be the first college in Wisconsin to offer esports as part of the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), which serves as the governing body to more than 100 colleges and universities setting standards for eligibility and conduct for collegiate esports.

The college plans to offer men's, co-ed and women's teams that will hold full-size rosters.

Bryant & Stratton will make it an official varsity sport by joining NACE and will offer scholarships to new and current students starting in 2019. Currently NACE member college's support more than 1,500 student athletes and offer more than $9 million in esports scholarship and aid.

Esports are multiplayer video games played online competing against other NACE colleges across the country in nine games such as League of Legends, Counter Strike, HearthStone, Overwatch, Paladins, Rocket League and Smite.

"We are excited to be pioneers as the first college in Wisconsin to offer esports as part of the NACE," Associate Athletic Director Ryan Ratajewski said. "Competitive gaming has had incredible growth around the world and now many colleges both large and small are embracing esports. We anticipate many more colleges will add esports in the next few years."

Bryant & Stratton plans to create a 500-square foot Esports Lab at its Wauwatosa campus where the team will practice and compete. The lab will be equipped with seven high-end gaming computers, gaming bays as well as a lounge area featuring a 70-inch monitor for spectators. The lab will be open to all students and staff during designated hours.

"Through esports, students are learning team building, attention to detail and problem-solving, which are essential to being successful in the classroom and eventually the workforce," Ratajewski said. "It mirrors the college's Career LifePrep™ experience to help prepare students at every step in their academic journey both in school and after graduation."

The addition of esports brings the Bryant & Stratton - Wisconsin athletic department to 15 NJCAA and NACE scholarship-offering sports. The Bobcats recently announced the addition of men's and women's cross country and women's tennis starting in fall 2019 and beach volleyball starting in spring 2020. 

A nation-wide search for a head esports coach is underway. Interested candidates can learn more about the position and apply at bryantstratton.edu/careers.

For more information on Bryant & Stratton esports contact the BSC Athletic Department at
414-302-7000 or visit our athletic website at bscbobcats.com. 

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About Bryant & Stratton College

Bryant & Stratton College is a private career college that provides career relevant education with a focus on employability and student success in a personalized environment. The College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, and has campus locations in New York, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin, as well as an Online Education division, and a Professional Skills Center. For over 160 years, Bryant & Stratton College has offered students access to career-relevant education leading to bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and professional certificates in the fields of business, criminal justice, design, financial services, healthcare, hospitality, human resources, paralegal studies and information technology. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit http://www.bryantstratton.edu/disclosures. General information can be found on the college′s website at http://www.bryantstratton.edu.

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