Trine to Launch Esports Program

Trine will house an esports facility inside the MTI Center

Trine University in Angola is getting into the world of competitive online video gaming. The university has announced it will launch an esports program in the fall of 2017.

Alex Goplin, an assistant director of admissions at Trine, has been selected to serve as director of esports for the university. Trine’s esports team will begin competing in the game "League of Legends" and will add teams for other games, including "Counterstrike," "Hearthstone," "Dota 2" and "Heroes of the Storm." 

"I am excited about the newest opportunity for our students to represent Trine University and our athletic department," said Matt Land, assistant vice president for athletics. "Esports puts an exciting, innovative and unique spin on competition that will allow us to address the new interests of our students. Our esports competitors will be supported with a brand new state-of-the-art facility that will be housed in the MTI Center upon completion."

The university says qualified new students admitted for the fall semester of 2017 will be eligible for merit-based scholarships, as well as a $2,000 Esports Activity Award. 

Trine announced on the $11.5 million MTI Center earlier this year and the facility is expected to open in 2018. In addition to the esports facility, the MTI Center will also house three basketball courts, a six-lane bowling alley and fitness center.