Rochester University adds E-Sports in '22

ROCHESTER, Mich — The Rochester University Athletic Department is excited to announce the addition of esports beginning in the fall of 2022-23. Rochester University has hired Chris Ainhorn to be the first head coach of the esports program. Ainhorn helped start the esports program at Oakland University and has had success with the Golden Grizzlies.

"Adding additional sports has been part of our strategic plan for a few years at RU," stated Senior Vice President over Athletics, Dr. Klint Pleasant. "Esports has been on our radar and we are thrilled to now be moving forward. Our hope is that it not only gives local students an opportunity to pursue something they enjoy, but also opens up academic opportunities as well. "Gaming" has become a huge industry, and we believe it is a creative move to make this not only an offering in our athletic department, but also have it add to what we are doing related to Computer Science. Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and is eager to begin recruiting students for this program."

As a sanctioned varsity sport, esports is organized, competitive video gaming. Participants will develop team leadership skills, contribute to a team dynamic, and represent RU as college athletes. The team will be co-ed and will become the eighth member of the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference to sponsor esports.

Rochester has opened its recruiting and is searching for talented esports student-athletes to take to the screens when the Warriors open their inaugural season in the fall of 2022. If you are interested or know someone who may be interested in competing in esports at the collegiate level, please contact Coach Ainhorn at cainhorn@rochesteru.edu.