Western Oklahoma State College Esports: Building a Gaming Community on Campus
The Western Oklahoma State College Esports team is leveling up this semester—not only in competition but also in community. Open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Esports Lab welcomes both Esports athletes and casual gamers alike for an inclusive, social, and high-energy experience.
Inside the lab, students can dive into competitive titles like Marvel Rivals, Apex Legends, League of Legends, and Super Smash Bros. For those looking to unwind, the room also offers casual play on PS4, Nintendo Switch, and VR systems. Beyond video games, tabletop fans can get in on Magic: The Gathering or Dungeons & Dragons sessions held throughout the week.
Student Coach Kenny Schwingendorf shared that his main goal for the lab is "to make it not just a competitive sports room, but also a place for students to come together and enjoy themselves—a different version of Pioneer Point to create a community."
Vice President of the Esports Club, Cadance McGrath, echoed that sentiment, describing the team as a family. "I want to make things easier for the president while bringing fun and joy to the club," she said. "We encourage students to come in, be adventurous, and we'll find a game for you to play."
Regulars like Jaxon, who volunteers on Tuesdays and Thursdays, said the Esports Lab feels more connected than other hangouts on campus. "It's easier to relate to people here," he said. "Everyone's into the same things—it's like an instant bond."
On the competitive side, Taylor Wilmesh, the future leader of the Apex Legends squad, is searching for players with strong communication and teamwork skills. "I'd love to make Apex a competitive spotlight for WOSC on Twitch," she said. Meanwhile, Yvonne Kruckenberg, a League of Legends player and aspiring streamer, is recruiting new team members. "We don't talk down to anyone," she said. "We lift each other up, coach, and help everyone improve."
For those curious about what Esports looks like in action, the team streams live training sessions on Twitch at twitch.tv/woscesports. Giving the channel a follow or a view helps WOSC Esports move closer to monetization—allowing them to earn sponsorships and support future growth.
Whether you're a serious competitor, a casual player, or just looking for a place to connect, the WOSC Esports Lab offers something for everyone. And with snacks, drinks, and plenty of friendly faces, it's becoming one of the most welcoming spots on campus.
Special thanks to Bryce Jennings, a liberal arts student at Western Oklahoma State College, for assisting with research and information gathering for this story.