OSKALOOSA — William Penn University Athletics Director Aleesha Rabedeaux is excited to announce the addition of Esports as the school’s newest intercollegiate sport.
Esports, also known as electronic sports, is competitive video gaming that allows student-athletes to compete as a team against colleges in select video games.
The Statesmen will begin competition in 2024-2025, facing off in the ‘League of Legends’ franchise in the fall, while playing in the ‘Rocket League’ franchise in the spring. WPU will join the Heart of America Athletic Conference which is in its first year offering Esports as a sanctioned sport. WPU becomes the seventh Heart school in League of Legends and the ninth in Rocket League.
“We are thrilled to announce the addition of Esports to our Athletics department here at William Penn University,” Rabedeaux said. “The hiring of Austin Fagen-Scholes as our Esports coach brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, ensuring our students will receive top-notch guidance in this exciting and competitive realm. This strategic move aligns with our commitment to providing diverse and innovative opportunities for our students, fostering both personal and academic growth.”
League of Legends is a game that features two teams with up to five players with the objective of seeking to destroy the opposing team’s base, known as the Nexus. Rocket League is a soccer game featuring players who are driving vehicles attempting to score goals in their opponent’s net.
William Penn has hired its first Esports head coach as Austin Fagen-Scholes will claim the reins. An Oskaloosa native, he graduated from Iowa State University in 2020 with a degree in Marketing.
Since graduation, Fagen-Scholes has worked for Mahaska Communications Group and Carriker Auto Outlet. From 2018-2020, he built his own brand on Twitch.tv where he was a content creator in the gaming sector.
A lifelong gamer, Fagen-Scholes has competed in high school events all the way up to amateur and professional competitions.
“I am so excited for this opportunity to be a part of the building of the William Penn Esports program,” Fagen-Scholes said. “I have always had a passion for Esports, and I look forward to building something special here. I look forward to the recruiting process, especially the idea of find skilled players from our local schools.”
