League of Legends is a competitive, challenging game which requires a significant amount of teamwork to be successful.
Chicago, Illinois (PRWEB) June 17, 2014
Robert Morris University Illinois is pleased to announce the addition of an online sport to its athletic program. Commonly referred to as eSports, the activity consists of organized video game competitions. Specifically, RMU students will compete in League of Legends, one of the largest and most popular eSport games. Although eSports have long been a part of the culture of gaming, competitions have seen a large surge in popularity in recent years. Robert Morris recognizes the value and legitimacy of eSports and is excited to add eSports to its already rich athletic program.
Associate Athletic Director Kurt Melcher states, “Robert Morris has always been at the forefront of providing opportunities for a diverse student population with different interests and skills. League of Legends is a competitive, challenging game which requires a significant amount of teamwork to be successful.”
Robert Morris is in the process of recruiting students for the first year of competition, beginning with the fall quarter in September, 2014. RMU will join the Collegiate Star League, made up of 103 institutions of higher learning and compete against other universities including Arizona State, George Washington and Harvard. Significantly, Robert Morris is the first in the nation to offer substantial scholarships for members of the first RMU eSport League of Legends team. Qualified gamers can earn scholarships of up to 50% tuition and 50% room and board.
Currently there are over 750 schools in 46 states and eight Canadian provinces that participate in League of Legends High School Starleague (HSL). Robert Morris seeks eSport athletes with experience in the HSL for their inaugural competitive season. Teams in the Collegiate Starleague compete for Riot Game’s North American Collegiate Championship and $100,000 in scholarship money. Qualification to the event can be obtained through league play or through the North American Collegiate Open tournament.
The RMU eSport Program will be directed by Kurt Melcher of the Eagles’ Athletic Department. All eSport League of Legends applicants will have their application fee waived. For more information contact: Kurt Melcher - 312-935-4110; kmelcher(at)robertmorris(dot)edu or check out the website: http://www.rmueagles.com/sport/0/147.php
Robert Morris University Illinois is a not-for-profit, baccalaureate and graduate degree granting institution, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.* The University serves over 6500 students interested in getting an education in business, graphic arts, nursing and health care, culinary and computer studies at its main campus in Chicago, as well as at locations in Arlington Heights, DuPage, Elgin, Orland Park, Bensenville, Springfield, Peoria, Schaumburg and Lake County. For more information, call 800-RMC-5960 or visit the web site at http://www.robertmorris.edu
*Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60602, 312-263-0456.