After close to a decade of discussions, both behind the scenes and in the public, athletics may be close to being a reality at Flint Hills Technical College — just not in a way that many people would say is traditional.
College President Caron Daugherty presented a plan to begin e-sports — essentially a college-sanctioned video gaming team — at the college. Daugherty says it’s not something that’s “coming out of nowhere.” It follows an on-campus study, where over 54 percent of surveyed students expressed interest in pursuing and over 80 percent of participating faculty see such a program as a recruitment tool.
It also would continue a trend now becoming prevalent among two-year colleges elsewhere across the country.
The total estimated cost for hardware, software, furniture and success services, is nearly $270,000, including $115,000 for the first year, over $30,000 in the second and third years, over $60,000 for the fourth year including a computer system refresh and over $30,000 for the fifth year.
The plan as presented would have Flint Hills Technical College funding facility costs like utilities and insurance, as well as conference fees, the coaching staff, recruiting, promotions and website development. It is currently seeking city funding for the hardware, software, furniture and success services — and is also starting to reach out to other entities, including a possible presentation to Lyon County, to help offset those program costs. Mayor Becky Smith says this is an expansion that makes sense for the college, but she’s concerned about the city’s potential role as a financial supporter.
If the city approves, it has to decide where its funding comes from. City Commissioner Rob Gilligan suggested one-time COVID-19 relief funds from the federal government instead of the general fund.
If this moves forward, the college is targeting the Jones Education Center on the main campus near 18th and Graphic Arts because it has the infrastructure in place with capacity for amenities like a 12-station gaming center, snack bar and coffee shop. It’s also powered by solar panels and a nearby wind turbine.
Over the last decade, FHTC has considered beginning more traditional athletics programs, with wrestling, men’s soccer and golf being considered. Daugherty says traditional sports are in the exploratory stage, but the e-sports option brings open the potential for a bigger push for athletics as a whole at the college.
