The Lorain High School Esports team received a visit from Hunter Wood, the head coach of the University of Akron’s four-time national championship Esports Team, and Nate Meeker, the school’s Director of Esports.
Lorain High School Esports coach Seth Litman hosted the pair to inform his students about opportunities beyond high school.
The two led a motivating informational session about how esports can integrate with academics.
Students involved with the university’s varsity team, whether as a player, student coach or manager, can earn a share of scholarships that start at $1,000 per year and range up to $2,500. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA to remain eligible to play.
Wood said their esports program is designed to allow students to sharpen their gaming skills in dedicated spaces with 92 computers equipped to handle all types of gamers, from League of Legends to Super Smash Bros.
Varsity esports players must try out for the team, and Wood encouraged students to attend the tryouts to get a taste of what it’s like to play at the collegiate level.
Meeker informed the students about the numbers side of college sports, including the cost of college and scholarships that are available beyond esports.
The students were excited to hear that a UA graduate earns an average salary of $63,000 per year and that 95% of Akron grads find a job in their field within six months of graduation, emphasizing careers in engineering, computer science, nursing and law.
If students are interested in academics at Akron but aren’t ready to commit to the 3-4 practices every week that come with playing at a varsity level, Wood informed the students about their club team and what other gaming options are available to all students, including a community building with free-to-play PCs and gaming consoles.