WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Nov. 22, 2019 — Students find that the WLU Gaming Club is the go-to place on campus to relax and enjoy friendly board and video games with other students. Located in Room B8 of Main Hall, the Gaming Club welcomes students from all walks of life that all have one thing in common; they enjoy gaming.
“Whether it’s rolling some dice in a game of monopoly, drifting around turns and dodging red turtle shells, or spending an evening playing Dungeons and Dragons, the students of WLU’s Gaming Club have a great time socializing. The club room provides a home away from home,” said Taylor Hartman, club president.
Hartman is from Wheeling and is a Zoo Science major.
“The club runs on donations; every single game or piece of furniture has been donated by alumni or supplied via funding from SGA,” she noted.
It is open to students Monday through Thursday after 3 p.m.
Furnished with two couches, several tables, and two televisions, the Gaming Club room isn’t just a place for gaming though. Students come to relax, study, socialize, and even nap from time-to-time.
The fact that the club primarily runs on donations also means that the club doesn’t have an entry fee or any other costs. There also isn’t a mandatory attendance policy. Club members come and go as they please.
But this campus organization wouldn’t be possible without its members and its dedicated officers, which also includes Zackary Hamrick of Moundsville, W.Va. as vice president, Patrick Bortner of Steubenville, Ohio as treasurer and Jessica Schultz of Warwood (Wheeling) as secretary.
Hartman is a junior and began her tenure in the club as a curious passerby that was hooked by the socializing aspect of the club and her love for games like Pokémon and Smash Bros. She eventually got drawn into Dungeons and Dragons, and then joined the club leadership.
The same can be said for the remaining cabinet members.
Hamric found himself at home among the ranks of the Super Smash Bros. players, Bortner came for the games of Magic: The Gathering and stayed for the Dungeons and Dragons, and Schultz is, admittedly, not a serious gamer, but enjoys miscellaneous party games like Cards Against Humanity and The Game of Things.
The West Liberty University Gaming Club officially meets Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. for what turns into an evening of laughs, Mario Kart-induced screams, and much more. WLU’s librarian Katy Zane is the faculty advisor for the club.
Gaming has grown to the point that some colleges have added egaming as an official sport. This growing trend of organized video game competitions is attractive to both students and spectators alike and there is even a National Association of Collegiate Esports.
“We welcome everyone to join us. Students will find it a great way to relax, unwind and make friends,” Hartman said.