New York's 54 SUNY Schools to Join ECAC Esports
Albany, NY – State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. today announced that SUNY Esports will join the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) this fall. SUNY Esports comprises 54 SUNY colleges and universities across the state with over 3,000 students competing.
“Over the years, the popularity of esports has grown exponentially. During my campus visits, I have seen several state-of-the-art esports labs and students passionately focused on honing their virtual craft,” said SUNY Chancellor King. “By joining the Eastern College Athletic Conference, SUNY students interested in esports will have more competitive opportunities within the world of esports, which will in turn make our SUNY institutions a top choice for students looking to pursue esports in college.”
ECAC Esports was launched in 2017. The ECAC itself is an 86-year-old organization featuring over 200 member schools in traditional athletics and esports. The conference exists to enhance the experience of student-athletes participating in intercollegiate athletics, and provide great value for universities and colleges, by sponsoring championships, leagues, bowl games, tournaments, and other competitions throughout the Northeast.
Both ECAC Esports and SUNY Esports plan to host in-person and online events and championships in the upcoming academic year.
SUNY Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Life, Opportunity Programs, & Student Advocate Cheryl Hamilton said, “Our goal has been to maintain and grow the momentum of SUNY Esports to remain one of the top esports leagues in the country while best serving our students involved in the league. We’re confident that the partnership between ECAC and SUNY Esports is strong and will aid SUNY in attracting more students interested in this growing sport.”
ECAC Commissioner and CEO Dan Coonan said, “This is a big day for the ECAC, SUNY Esports and the landscape of collegiate esports. ECAC Esports is excited to welcome all of the schools participating in the SUNY Esports League. We plan to continue running SUNY Esports leagues and competitions as well as welcoming all the SUNY schools to participate in every ECAC Esports title and championship.”
Extreme Networks (SUNY Esports Senior-Most Partner) Chief Commercial Officer Norman Rice said, “Esports programs provide students with opportunities to foster teamwork, develop strategic thinking and build leadership skills, and over the past several years SUNY has cemented its place as a leader in collegiate esports. Extreme is proud to continue supporting SUNY Esports by providing the network solutions necessary for students to compete at their highest level as the program expands.”
ABOUT THE ECAC
The ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference) is an eighty-two-year-old organization with well over 200 member schools across all three NCAA Divisions - I, II and III. The ECAC exists to enhance the experience of student-athletes participating in intercollegiate athletics and provides great value for universities and colleges by sponsoring championships, leagues, bowl games, tournaments and other competitions throughout the Northeast. The ECAC's esports platform is growing and now totals more than 200 colleges and universities and is expanding the geographic footprint for the conference nationally. The ECAC is also sponsoring competitions and leagues involving other varsity and club sports that do not fall under the umbrella of the NCAA.