Shenandoah University’s inaugural esports summit welcomes visitors to a two-day event featuring expert panelists and a sneak peek tour of the university’s new esports arena.

Register to Attend the Esports Summit

Cost to attend the esports summit is $25. This includes breakfast and dinner.

Event Schedule 

September 13, 2019

2 p.m. | Registration opens

Esports Panels in Halpin-Harrison Hall at Shenandoah University’s main campus in Winchester

3:00 | What is Esports & Why is VHSL Getting Started

• Presenters 
  • Joey Gawrysiak, Ph.D. | Director of esports at Shenandoah University
  • Darrell Wilson | Assistant director for academic activities of the VHSL

4:00 | Who is PlayVS & What Will the Season Look Like 

• Presenter
  • Clint Kennedy | Director of education at PlayVS

4:45 | Dinner

5:00 | Equipment Needs for an Esports Team

• Presenters
  • Zach Harrington | Assistant director and head coach of esports at Shenandoah University
  • Cody Pugsley | Immersive technology specialist at Shenandoah University
  • Jay Cooke | Technology supervisor at Stafford County Public Schools
  • Kurt Mergen | Teacher at Kettle Run High School

5:00 | Esports Student Panel

• Presenters
  • Morgan Keeler ’20 | SU Overwatch Team Captain, Criminology & Criminal Justice Major, Esports  Minor, and Psychology Minor
  • Sean Kelly ’22 | Overwatch & Rocket League player, Esports & Business Administration Double Major
  • Caitlyn Graulau ’23 | Overwatch player, Esports Major

6:00 | Tour of Shenandoah’s new esports arena

• Tour Guides 
  • Joey Gawrysiak, Ph.D. | Director of esports at Shenandoah University
  • Zach Harrington | Assistant director and head coach of esports at Shenandoah University
  • Cody Pugsley | Immersive technology specialist at Shenandoah University

September 14, 2019

9 a.m. | Breakfast

Esports Panels in Halpin-Harrison Hall at Shenandoah University’s main campus in Winchester

9:00 | Coaching Strategies

• Presenters
  • Zach Harrington | Assistant director and head coach of esports at Shenandoah University
  • Joel Oliver | Shenandoah University Overwatch coach

9:00 |  Esports Beyond High School

• Presenters 
  • Joey Gawrysiak, Ph.D. | Director of esports at Shenandoah University
  • Rachel Lombardo | Employer Relations Coordinator at Shenandoah University

10:00 | Educational Benefits of Esports

• Presenters
  • Joey Gawrysiak, Ph.D. | Director of esports at Shenandoah University
  • Doug Fulton | Principal at Freedom High School
  • Chris Scroggins | Instructor of esports at Shenandoah University

11:00 | Hosting an Event at Your High School

• Presenters
  • Chris Scroggins | Instructor of esports at Shenandoah University
  • Doug Fulton | Principal at Freedom High School

•  

Virginia public high schools Esports Pilot Program

The summit coincides with an esports pilot program beginning this fall in Virginia public high schools. Although the summit is targeted toward high school administrators and coaches wishing to learn more about esports, everyone is welcome to attend.

We are looking forward to hosting the Esports Summit at Shenandoah so we can help high schools in Virginia prepare for their first season of having esports in their schools. We also would like to invite the community to learn about esports and see how Shenandoah is a leader in esports education.”

Joey Gawrysiak, Ph.D. | Director of esports at Shenandoah University

Dr. Gawrysiak advised and worked with the Virginia High School League, or VHSL, to implement the new esports pilot in public high schools.

Shenandoah’s new state-of-the-art arena

Shenandoah’s new state-of-the-art arena will serve the university’s esports program, operating as a practice facility for the university’s 35-member varsity esports team and as a hands-on learning experience for students in the new Bachelor of Science program in esports. It will also serve as a public esports venue where spectators can watch weekly matches.

The 1,571-square-foot space is located in the unused armory on Shenandoah’s main campus. It will feature 12 competitor stations, a 21-inch stage, 70 spectator seats, a broadcasting booth, and three 12-foot projector screens on three walls.

Register to Attend the Esports Summit

Cost to attend the esports summit is $25. This includes breakfast and dinner.

View hotel information for the Esports Summit.

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hampton Inn Winchester N/Conference Center for September 13-15. Summit attendees can receive a preferred rate. A shuttle will be available from the Hampton Inn to the conference location. 

For questions, please contact:

Joey Gawrysiak | Director of esports at Shenandoah University

jgawrysi@su.edu | 540-665-3480

 

Want to Attend looking official? Wear SU esports swag to look like you’re on the Shenandoah esports team!

Purchase SU Esports Swag