KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — Western Michigan University is getting a new club sports program.
There’s no need to run laps, lift heavy weights or hit a baseball. That’s because the new esports initiative wants students who are good at winning video games.
“For me, I was a sports guy throughout high school,” said WMU student Will Garetto-Balmer. “I was actually supposed to play college football. Unfortunately, I got hurt, and I needed a competition to keep going.”
That’s when Garetto-Balmer turned to competitive video gaming.
Now, WMU is spending $500,000 to create an esports arena, which means gaming will become a university club sport at WMU like women’s hockey, rugby and figure skating.
Full story: WOOD TV