TIFFIN, Ohio - In collaboration with colleges and universities in the region, Tiffin University Athletic Director Lonny Allen has announced the formation of the Great Lakes Esports Conference (GLEC) to serve collegiate esports programs in the Great Lakes region.

"We are so excited to partner with institutions from our region to start the conference," said Allen. "We want to give our Esports student-athletes something to call their own, and want them to have the opportunity to play for conference championships and host live events like the other student-athletes on campus. Although it is a new beginning, as conference administrators we feel that we can build an incredible experience for all participants."

Trine University will be a founding member of the conference.

"We are excited to partner with institutions in our region to form the conference," said Land, "We believe that the addition of in-person competition and conference championship opportunity will greatly enhance the competition experience for our student-athletes."

Conference membership will consist of nine teams across Ohio and Indiana competing in League of Legends, Overwatch, Counter Strike, and Rocket League. In addition to Trine inaugural GLEC schools will include Defiance College, Lourdes University, Marietta College, University of Mount Union, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Muskingum University, Ohio Northern University, and Tiffin University.

Teams will play a nine-week schedule on Saturdays from Sept. 21 and Nov. 16, with one bye week for each team. The season will culminate with a conference championship, hosted by Tiffin University, where teams will compete live for the title.

"This is another big step for esports," continued Land, "The GLEC will help to continue to solidify the standing of esports on the college landscape."

The Thunder will begin competition in the newly minted GLEC as a part of their third season of competition.