MICHIGAN - In a groundbreaking move for college esports in Michigan, six of the region's Division III schools have united to form the Michigan College BEL (Block House Esports League). The season kicks off this Friday, September 22 at 5 pm, offering fans an exhilarating experience with games such as Smash Ultimate, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2, Rocket League and more.
Acting as a network for schools affiliated with the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA), the league is unique to the region. It aims to foster local rivalries, bolstering the spirit and camaraderie that Division III schools have long celebrated. This formal league establishment is a pioneering step, as only a handful of states boast official college esports conferences.
The season will run through October and is set to culminate with in-person playoffs this November. Matches will be hosted at Block House in Alma, Michigan within the renovated historic Wright Opera House. Furthermore, fans can look forward to spring playoffs, which are scheduled to take place at Block House's new location in Olivet.
Adrian College's head esports coach, Ethan Hill, captured the collective sentiment, saying, "Everyone is extremely excited and fired up to have the ability to travel for regular season matches, as well as have an in-person playoff. For me personally, I'm excited to go head-to-head against my former director and program at Trine University."
Block House, an organizer and producer of the Michigan College BEL, plays a central role in ensuring that these matchups are not only competitive but also engaging for audiences. All matches will be streamed on www.twitch.tv/blockhouselive, with selected colleges also broadcasting games through their respective platforms.
The founding schools, namely Adrian College, Albion College, Alma College, Calvin University, Trine University, and the University of Olivet, are not just participants; they are active collaborators with Block House in the formation of the league. Integral to the league's structure, the college coaches from these institutions have been hands-on throughout the summer, shaping the league's format, games, and schedules.
Travis Isbell, who is entering his third year as Trine University's Director of Esports, is looking forward to the focus on underserved titles. "We are specifically excited for Call of Duty and Apex Legends to have the shine they deserve in the collegiate scene," he said. "Besides the games, we are always excited to travel to different venues and meet other players. I think that's the beauty of esports."
The in-person nature of the league brings more reliability and consistency to the scheduling, often lacking in other leagues. "During the first two years we relied solely on online competition, but with leagues such as BEL arriving, we have an opportunity to give students a chance to see their counterparts in-person," explained Karlo Delos Angeles, Director of the Albion Esports program.
Block House has been forming partnerships to build a more rewarding experience for fans and the players. With major sponsors such as Pepsi and Milk Means More supporting the initiative, spectators can expect enhanced production values both online and offline. Meanwhile, students are provided a plethora of opportunities, from acquiring soft and technical skills to internships at Block House and the professional esports team, 26 Rising.
For Delos Angeles, the opportunities for his players sets the league apart. "A point of praise for BEL is the post-collegiate opportunities," he explained. "Production students who work with me during their collegiate career have a chance to build a resume with relatable skills which may even lead to working under BEL."
The league's growth is symbiotic with Michigan's vision for esports. From being spotlighted by PBS as a local destination to supporting over 20 local schools in establishing their esports programs, Block House is instrumental in the state's esports narrative. Their involvement has also had economic implications, with Michigan's Governor Whitmer acknowledging Block House's role in small-town economic development during a visit to the downtown Alma location.
The University of Olivet's new Director of Esports, Elizabeth Layton, is set to benefit from Block House's construction of a new venue in Olivet. "Block House's facilities are a literal game changer for esports on a high school and collegiate level," she declared. "The opportunities the new Olivet location will bring are limitless, both to the esports ecosystem as well as to the community."
In alignment with the league's broader vision, High School BEL is expanding its horizons. Following the success of their local in-person seasons, Block House is launching a statewide online league for high school students. With dynamic links to its collegiate division, BEL will provide new recruiting and scholarship opportunities to students throughout the state. Interested parties can find more about the high school and college league at www.blockhouse.live.
