In collaboration with colleges and universities in the region, the Muskingum University Athletic Department has announced the formation of the Great Lakes Esports Conference (GLEC) to serve collegiate esports programs in the Great Lakes region.
Conference membership will consist of nine teams across Ohio and Indiana competing in League of Legends, Overwatch, Counter-Strike, and Rocket League. The inaugural GLEC schools are Muskingum University, Defiance College, Lourdes University, Marietta College, University of Mount Union, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Ohio Northern University, Tiffin University, and Trine University. The league will play a nine-week fall schedule on Saturdays from September 21 through November 16, with one bye week for each team. The same schedule will also be followed for a spring season. The Muskies will also compete in Fortnite during non-league action.
A conference championship will be held at Tiffin in the spring, with all teams traveling to Tiffin's esports facility to compete for the title.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for Muskingum esports student-athletes to compete in a newly formed conference dedicated to the development and promotion of esports," said Muskingum Vice President and Athletic Director Steve Brockelbank.
"The formation of the GLEC will allow Muskingum to start building rivalries with schools from around the region and compete for championships," said Muskingum Esports Head Coach Quinn O'Bryan.