McKendree University Joins the Gauntlet with New Esports Program
Lebanon, IL (11/20/2025) — McKendree University will be joining an increasing number of colleges and universities across the nation with the formation of its inaugural esports program. This new program, which is slated to kick off in the Fall 2026 term, will compete in the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) by playing Overwatch and Marvel Rivals.
The up-and-coming co-ed team is envisioned as a way to provide students the opportunity to compete in popular gaming titles while teaching them valuable life lessons in teamwork, strategy, communication, content creation, and more. Future scholarships will also be made available to interested students.
"This is the perfect time for McKendree University to add a competitive esports team to our roster," said Jennifer Miller, vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students. "As we continue seeing increased interest in esports even within our own backyard, we are excited to take the opportunity to create a pathway for those students to keep competing and developing their skills right here at McKendree."
Leading the charge of the new esports team is IT Systems Analyst Clayton Harris, who is the current advisor of the Bearcat Gaming Club. Harris is a former member of the Overwatch Gaming Club at Illinois State University and also served as president of the organization for two terms.
"Many students have interest in gaming competitively but no tangible way of participating in the leagues they would excel in. We want to help our students improve at what they're good at while representing McKendree in a way that's brand new for the school," Harris said.
For more information, please visit the university's eSports webpage.
McKendree University
Tina Napper, Lead Writer, 618-537-6865, cmnapper@mckendree.eduShare this Story
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