By Jayda Griffin
The Scene staff
An esports program is making its way to St. Louis Community College, getting students involved in competitive videogaming.
Robert Cruz, the new esports coordinator, has been working to build the program “from the ground up” since Jan. 22 at the college’s South County campus.
A new facility is being constructed and equipped with videogaming computers, spectator seating, couches and other furniture for lounging.
“I can’t say for sure when it will be finished, but I do know it’ll be finished before our fall season starts,” said Cruz, who formerly developed an esports program for youths in Hillsborough County, Florida.
The STLCC program will be open to students from all campuses, including Forest Park. Varsity team members will be eligible for scholarships.
Officials expect the program to particularly appeal to younger students who already have competed in esports at the high-school level. That’s the situation with Kaylin Kim, 17, a student at Lindbergh High School who is enrolled in STLCC’s Early College program.
“I like that (esports has) a community of people who are really chill and can play together,” she said, nothing that her favorite videogame is Valorant.
Cruz’s biggest focus now is getting competitive teams organized. There are three tiers of play in esports.
“Tier 1 (varsity) would be our most competitive tier,” Cruz said. “This is for our top recruits, people who are really dedicated to our craft and really see a future and use our scholarships to get into a four-year institution.”
These students will compete in tournaments sponsored by the National Junior College Athletic Association.
“Tier 2, this will be our (junior varsity) team, the individuals who may not have made the initial cut, but they prep themselves, honing their craft and coming up in the next following season,” Cruz said