GRIFFON ESPORTS
Missouri Western State University Esports forges real-life skills, like leadership, teamwork, communication and intuitive thinking. The program unites students from diverse backgrounds in an accessible and inclusive environment. Esports is the fastest-growing and one of the highest-earning sports worldwide. It is a highly competitive sport while preserving a friendly and welcoming community.
Are you interested in joining
the Griffon Esports Varsity lineup?
GRIFFON ESPORTS ARENA
THE ESPORTS ARENA PRESENTS STUDENTS A RECREATIONAL SPACE TO HONE THEIR SKILLS WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART EQUIPMENT.
- 24 Fully decked PC stations
- Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-10700F CPUs
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Video Cards
- Nintendo Switches
- Flight Simulator Setups
- Comfortable lounge space for table-top RPGs/board-games
- Friendly and knowledgeable people willing to help you get started
Chance Mueller to lead Griffon Esports
July 23, 2024–Missouri Western State University has named Alec “Chance” Mueller as the new director of Griffon Esports, effective August 1. Mueller previously served as esports head coach at Ashland University in Ohio.
In his new role, Mueller will oversee all aspects of MWSU’s esports program, including team development, competition strategy and student engagement.
“Chance’s expertise and vision will further enhance MWSU’s reputation in collegiate esports while providing student-athletes with valuable opportunities for growth and success,” said Emily Ludwig, senior director of recreational services.
At Ashland, Mueller demonstrated exceptional leadership, guiding teams to impressive national standings in multiple esports disciplines. Under his direction, the Overwatch team achieved a Top 16 finish in the NACE Starleague Premier Division, the Fortnite team achieved a 9th place nationally, and the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive team achieved a Top 8 finish.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to join the Missouri Western community and help push the esports program forward,” Mueller said. “I see great growth potential for the program and I plan to expand with club and recreational initiatives. I believe esports is for everyone and I want students to feel encouraged to participate or learn more about the esports program if they’re interested. I can’t wait to get started and share my passion for esports and recreational gaming. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for the opportunity to lead and continue to enhance Griffon Esports.”
Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.
Boyd steps down as director of Griffon Esports, national search for successor underway
May 6, 2024 – Missouri Western State University will begin a national search for its next director of esports following the resignation of Riley Boyd.
Boyd and his wife, Delanie, will be moving back to their hometown of Boise, Idaho to pursue other professional opportunities.
“So many mixed emotions with our decision,” Boyd said. “Missouri Western is a special place and the Esports program and our students will always hold a special place in our hearts. This program is still so new and it takes an entire village. I am proud of what we were all able to accomplish and I am excited for the future.”
Boyd has served as the director of Griffon Esports since November of 2022, first as interim director, while being named official director last April. In his time leading the program, Boyd has taken the Griffons to two MCEC conference championships (Rocket League and Overwatch) and a Rocket League NACE division finalist appearance. During his tenure, Boyd brought the four-year-old program in line with NCAA academic standards, while assisting in continued facility development for the Esports Arena. In the past year, Missouri Western also hosted the first home matches in program history.
“I am immensely grateful for the dedication that Riley has poured into our program,” said Emily Ludwig, senior director of recreation services. “He was the leader this program needed to get on the path to competitive success. His vision for inclusivity and open access to gaming on this campus has cast a wide net, and I know his impact will be felt for a long time. We wish him best in the next level of his career.”
Boyd’s official last day is slated for June ..Student nominated for national esports leadership award
Video from College Esports News.
Oct. 6, 2023–Bryce Dudenhoeffer, sophomore recreation sport management major from Jefferson City, Missouri, has been nominated for a Scholars Award in the category of Collegiate Student Leader of the Year. People can vote for Dudenhoeffer once a day through Nov. 20 at bit.ly/3t2YdkR.
Dudenhoeffer is a senior student support staff member for Griffon Esports. He provides operations support for the two varsity esports teams. He also works with several high school programs in the area. Dudenhoeffer hopes to be a collegiate sports director some day.
“College esports is my passion,” Dudenhoffer said in an interview with College Esports News. “It’s what I get up for every day, just helping kids find their path in life.”
This is the first year for the Scholars Awards, presented by the organizers of the prestigious Esports Awards. Dudenhoeffer will be attending the awards show in Las Vegas at the end of November.
Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.
Boyd named director of Griffon Esports
May 9, 2023–Riley Boyd has been named director of esports at Missouri Western State University, effective May 16. Boyd has provided interim leadership of the program since February.
Boyd came to Missouri Western last fall as a graduate assistant in athletics while pursuing his Master of Business Administration degree. Previously, he served as lead commentator for Boise State University’s Call of Duty in 2020-2021, and was the graduate assistant for esports at Ottawa University in 2021, serving as their interim director in the spring of 2022.
Griffon Esports is a competitive team-based video gaming program launched in the fall of 2020. The Griffon Esports Arena in the Blum Student Union is open to all students, faculty and staff six days a week during the school year.
Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.
Griffon Esports hosts charity livestream, Duhn named PBC Valorant Player of the Year
Michael Duhn of Griffon Esports accepts the PBC Valorant Player of the Year Award in Florence, South Carolina.
Oct. 26, 2022–Fresh off appearances in the Peach Belt Championships and boasting a newly crowned conference Player of the Year, Griffon Esports at Missouri Western State University will host its semi-annual 24-hour charity livestream beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, originating from the Griffon Esports Arena in Blum Student Union.
The livestream will be carried on Griffon Esports’ Twitch channel, twitch.tv/Griffon_Esports. Each semester, Griffon Esports partners with Extra Life to benefit Childrens’ Miracle Network Hospitals. Viewers will be asked to contribute via the Extra Life website at griff.vn/ExtraLife.
Students will not only be playing the games on the livestream, but will oversee all aspects of the production. Several Missouri Western administrators will be special guests for one-on-one Rocket League matches Friday: President Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy will take on Darrel Morrison, vice president for finance and administration, at 9:30 a.m., and Chris Dunn, chief of staff, will face Becky Dunn, chief communications officer at 10:30 a.m.
The livestream comes less than a week after Griffon Esports competed in the Peach Belt Fall Esports Championships in Florence, South Carolina Oct. 21 and 22. It was the conference’s first championships for two titles, Valorant and Rocket League.
The Griffon Rocket League team went 1-2, beating North Georgia 3-0, then losing to undefeated top seed Florida Southern 2-3 (the eventual champion) and to Kennesaw State 2-3 in the lower bracket.
Valorant went 2-2 with a ..
Griffon Esports to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network
April 20, 2022–Griffon Esports at Missouri Western State University will host a 24-hour livestream for charity starting at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 21. The stream will originate from the Griffon Esports Arena in Blum Union and can be viewed on the program’s Twitch channel, twitch.tv/griffon_esports.
Esports is once again partnering with Extra Life to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Those watching the gamers via the stream will be asked to contribute via the team’s Extra Life page.
The stream will include two special one-on-one matches featuring Missouri Western administrators. Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, president, will take on Darrell Morrison, vice president for finance and administration, at 11 a.m. on Friday, and Chris Dunn, chief of staff, will play Becky Dunn, chief communications officer at 2 p.m. on Friday.
Students oversee all aspects of the production. Griffon Esports is pleased to partner with two local businesses, Pie Five and EXP Gaming Lounge, which will sponsor segments of the stream.
Last year, Griffon Esports raised more than $5,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network through various efforts, including two 24-hour livestream events.
Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.
Chance Mueller to lead Griffon Esports
July 23, 2024–Missouri Western State University has named Alec “Chance” Mueller as the new director of Griffon Esports, effective August 1. Mueller previously served as esports head coach at Ashland University in Ohio.
In his new role, Mueller will oversee all aspects of MWSU’s esports program, including team development, competition strategy and student engagement.
“Chance’s expertise and vision will further enhance MWSU’s reputation in collegiate esports while providing student-athletes with valuable opportunities for growth and success,” said Emily Ludwig, senior director of recreational services.
At Ashland, Mueller demonstrated exceptional leadership, guiding teams to impressive national standings in multiple esports disciplines. Under his direction, the Overwatch team achieved a Top 16 finish in the NACE Starleague Premier Division, the Fortnite team achieved a 9th place nationally, and the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive team achieved a Top 8 finish.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to join the Missouri Western community and help push the esports program forward,” Mueller said. “I see great growth potential for the program and I plan to expand with club and recreational initiatives. I believe esports is for everyone and I want students to feel encouraged to participate or learn more about the esports program if they’re interested. I can’t wait to get started and share my passion for esports and recreational gaming. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for the opportunity to lead and continue to enhance Griffon Esports.”
Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.
Boyd steps down as director of Griffon Esports, national search for successor underway
May 6, 2024 – Missouri Western State University will begin a national search for its next director of esports following the resignation of Riley Boyd.
Boyd and his wife, Delanie, will be moving back to their hometown of Boise, Idaho to pursue other professional opportunities.
“So many mixed emotions with our decision,” Boyd said. “Missouri Western is a special place and the Esports program and our students will always hold a special place in our hearts. This program is still so new and it takes an entire village. I am proud of what we were all able to accomplish and I am excited for the future.”
Boyd has served as the director of Griffon Esports since November of 2022, first as interim director, while being named official director last April. In his time leading the program, Boyd has taken the Griffons to two MCEC conference championships (Rocket League and Overwatch) and a Rocket League NACE division finalist appearance. During his tenure, Boyd brought the four-year-old program in line with NCAA academic standards, while assisting in continued facility development for the Esports Arena. In the past year, Missouri Western also hosted the first home matches in program history.
“I am immensely grateful for the dedication that Riley has poured into our program,” said Emily Ludwig, senior director of recreation services. “He was the leader this program needed to get on the path to competitive success. His vision for inclusivity and open access to gaming on this campus has cast a wide net, and I know his impact will be felt for a long time. We wish him best in the next level of his career.”
Boyd’s official last day is slated for June ..Student nominated for national esports leadership award
Video from College Esports News.
Oct. 6, 2023–Bryce Dudenhoeffer, sophomore recreation sport management major from Jefferson City, Missouri, has been nominated for a Scholars Award in the category of Collegiate Student Leader of the Year. People can vote for Dudenhoeffer once a day through Nov. 20 at bit.ly/3t2YdkR.
Dudenhoeffer is a senior student support staff member for Griffon Esports. He provides operations support for the two varsity esports teams. He also works with several high school programs in the area. Dudenhoeffer hopes to be a collegiate sports director some day.
“College esports is my passion,” Dudenhoffer said in an interview with College Esports News. “It’s what I get up for every day, just helping kids find their path in life.”
This is the first year for the Scholars Awards, presented by the organizers of the prestigious Esports Awards. Dudenhoeffer will be attending the awards show in Las Vegas at the end of November.
Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.
Boyd named director of Griffon Esports
May 9, 2023–Riley Boyd has been named director of esports at Missouri Western State University, effective May 16. Boyd has provided interim leadership of the program since February.
Boyd came to Missouri Western last fall as a graduate assistant in athletics while pursuing his Master of Business Administration degree. Previously, he served as lead commentator for Boise State University’s Call of Duty in 2020-2021, and was the graduate assistant for esports at Ottawa University in 2021, serving as their interim director in the spring of 2022.
Griffon Esports is a competitive team-based video gaming program launched in the fall of 2020. The Griffon Esports Arena in the Blum Student Union is open to all students, faculty and staff six days a week during the school year.
Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.
Griffon Esports hosts charity livestream, Duhn named PBC Valorant Player of the Year
Michael Duhn of Griffon Esports accepts the PBC Valorant Player of the Year Award in Florence, South Carolina.
Oct. 26, 2022–Fresh off appearances in the Peach Belt Championships and boasting a newly crowned conference Player of the Year, Griffon Esports at Missouri Western State University will host its semi-annual 24-hour charity livestream beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, originating from the Griffon Esports Arena in Blum Student Union.
The livestream will be carried on Griffon Esports’ Twitch channel, twitch.tv/Griffon_Esports. Each semester, Griffon Esports partners with Extra Life to benefit Childrens’ Miracle Network Hospitals. Viewers will be asked to contribute via the Extra Life website at griff.vn/ExtraLife.
Students will not only be playing the games on the livestream, but will oversee all aspects of the production. Several Missouri Western administrators will be special guests for one-on-one Rocket League matches Friday: President Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy will take on Darrel Morrison, vice president for finance and administration, at 9:30 a.m., and Chris Dunn, chief of staff, will face Becky Dunn, chief communications officer at 10:30 a.m.
The livestream comes less than a week after Griffon Esports competed in the Peach Belt Fall Esports Championships in Florence, South Carolina Oct. 21 and 22. It was the conference’s first championships for two titles, Valorant and Rocket League.
The Griffon Rocket League team went 1-2, beating North Georgia 3-0, then losing to undefeated top seed Florida Southern 2-3 (the eventual champion) and to Kennesaw State 2-3 in the lower bracket.
Valorant went 2-2 with a ..Griffon Esports to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network
April 20, 2022–Griffon Esports at Missouri Western State University will host a 24-hour livestream for charity starting at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 21. The stream will originate from the Griffon Esports Arena in Blum Union and can be viewed on the program’s Twitch channel, twitch.tv/griffon_esports.
Esports is once again partnering with Extra Life to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Those watching the gamers via the stream will be asked to contribute via the team’s Extra Life page.
The stream will include two special one-on-one matches featuring Missouri Western administrators. Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, president, will take on Darrell Morrison, vice president for finance and administration, at 11 a.m. on Friday, and Chris Dunn, chief of staff, will play Becky Dunn, chief communications officer at 2 p.m. on Friday.
Students oversee all aspects of the production. Griffon Esports is pleased to partner with two local businesses, Pie Five and EXP Gaming Lounge, which will sponsor segments of the stream.
Last year, Griffon Esports raised more than $5,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network through various efforts, including two 24-hour livestream events.
Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.
Chance Mueller to lead Griffon Esports
July 23, 2024–Missouri Western State University has named Alec “Chance” Mueller as the new director of Griffon Esports, effective August 1. Mueller previously served as esports head coach at Ashland University in Ohio.
In his new role, Mueller will oversee all aspects of MWSU’s esports program, including team development, competition strategy and student engagement.
“Chance’s expertise and vision will further enhance MWSU’s reputation in collegiate esports while providing student-athletes with valuable opportunities for growth and success,” said Emily Ludwig, senior director of recreational services.
At Ashland, Mueller demonstrated exceptional leadership, guiding teams to impressive national standings in multiple esports disciplines. Under his direction, the Overwatch team achieved a Top 16 finish in the NACE Starleague Premier Division, the Fortnite team achieved a 9th place nationally, and the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive team achieved a Top 8 finish.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to join the Missouri Western community and help push the esports program forward,” Mueller said. “I see great growth potential for the program and I plan to expand with club and recreational initiatives. I believe esports is for everyone and I want students to feel encouraged to participate or learn more about the esports program if they’re interested. I can’t wait to get started and share my passion for esports and recreational gaming. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for the opportunity to lead and continue to enhance Griffon Esports.”
Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.
Boyd steps down as director of Griffon Esports, national search for successor underway
May 6, 2024 – Missouri Western State University will begin a national search for its next director of esports following the resignation of Riley Boyd.
Boyd and his wife, Delanie, will be moving back to their hometown of Boise, Idaho to pursue other professional opportunities.
“So many mixed emotions with our decision,” Boyd said. “Missouri Western is a special place and the Esports program and our students will always hold a special place in our hearts. This program is still so new and it takes an entire village. I am proud of what we were all able to accomplish and I am excited for the future.”
Boyd has served as the director of Griffon Esports since November of 2022, first as interim director, while being named official director last April. In his time leading the program, Boyd has taken the Griffons to two MCEC conference championships (Rocket League and Overwatch) and a Rocket League NACE division finalist appearance. During his tenure, Boyd brought the four-year-old program in line with NCAA academic standards, while assisting in continued facility development for the Esports Arena. In the past year, Missouri Western also hosted the first home matches in program history.
“I am immensely grateful for the dedication that Riley has poured into our program,” said Emily Ludwig, senior director of recreation services. “He was the leader this program needed to get on the path to competitive success. His vision for inclusivity and open access to gaming on this campus has cast a wide net, and I know his impact will be felt for a long time. We wish him best in the next level of his career.”
Boyd’s official last day is slated for June ..Student nominated for national esports leadership award
Video from College Esports News.
Oct. 6, 2023–Bryce Dudenhoeffer, sophomore recreation sport management major from Jefferson City, Missouri, has been nominated for a Scholars Award in the category of Collegiate Student Leader of the Year. People can vote for Dudenhoeffer once a day through Nov. 20 at bit.ly/3t2YdkR.
Dudenhoeffer is a senior student support staff member for Griffon Esports. He provides operations support for the two varsity esports teams. He also works with several high school programs in the area. Dudenhoeffer hopes to be a collegiate sports director some day.
“College esports is my passion,” Dudenhoffer said in an interview with College Esports News. “It’s what I get up for every day, just helping kids find their path in life.”
This is the first year for the Scholars Awards, presented by the organizers of the prestigious Esports Awards. Dudenhoeffer will be attending the awards show in Las Vegas at the end of November.
Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.
Boyd named director of Griffon Esports
May 9, 2023–Riley Boyd has been named director of esports at Missouri Western State University, effective May 16. Boyd has provided interim leadership of the program since February.
Boyd came to Missouri Western last fall as a graduate assistant in athletics while pursuing his Master of Business Administration degree. Previously, he served as lead commentator for Boise State University’s Call of Duty in 2020-2021, and was the graduate assistant for esports at Ottawa University in 2021, serving as their interim director in the spring of 2022.
Griffon Esports is a competitive team-based video gaming program launched in the fall of 2020. The Griffon Esports Arena in the Blum Student Union is open to all students, faculty and staff six days a week during the school year.
Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.
Griffon Esports hosts charity livestream, Duhn named PBC Valorant Player of the Year
Michael Duhn of Griffon Esports accepts the PBC Valorant Player of the Year Award in Florence, South Carolina.
Oct. 26, 2022–Fresh off appearances in the Peach Belt Championships and boasting a newly crowned conference Player of the Year, Griffon Esports at Missouri Western State University will host its semi-annual 24-hour charity livestream beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, originating from the Griffon Esports Arena in Blum Student Union.
The livestream will be carried on Griffon Esports’ Twitch channel, twitch.tv/Griffon_Esports. Each semester, Griffon Esports partners with Extra Life to benefit Childrens’ Miracle Network Hospitals. Viewers will be asked to contribute via the Extra Life website at griff.vn/ExtraLife.
Students will not only be playing the games on the livestream, but will oversee all aspects of the production. Several Missouri Western administrators will be special guests for one-on-one Rocket League matches Friday: President Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy will take on Darrel Morrison, vice president for finance and administration, at 9:30 a.m., and Chris Dunn, chief of staff, will face Becky Dunn, chief communications officer at 10:30 a.m.
The livestream comes less than a week after Griffon Esports competed in the Peach Belt Fall Esports Championships in Florence, South Carolina Oct. 21 and 22. It was the conference’s first championships for two titles, Valorant and Rocket League.
The Griffon Rocket League team went 1-2, beating North Georgia 3-0, then losing to undefeated top seed Florida Southern 2-3 (the eventual champion) and to Kennesaw State 2-3 in the lower bracket.
Valorant went 2-2 with a ..Griffon Esports to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network
April 20, 2022–Griffon Esports at Missouri Western State University will host a 24-hour livestream for charity starting at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 21. The stream will originate from the Griffon Esports Arena in Blum Union and can be viewed on the program’s Twitch channel, twitch.tv/griffon_esports.
Esports is once again partnering with Extra Life to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Those watching the gamers via the stream will be asked to contribute via the team’s Extra Life page.
The stream will include two special one-on-one matches featuring Missouri Western administrators. Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, president, will take on Darrell Morrison, vice president for finance and administration, at 11 a.m. on Friday, and Chris Dunn, chief of staff, will play Becky Dunn, chief communications officer at 2 p.m. on Friday.
Students oversee all aspects of the production. Griffon Esports is pleased to partner with two local businesses, Pie Five and EXP Gaming Lounge, which will sponsor segments of the stream.
Last year, Griffon Esports raised more than $5,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network through various efforts, including two 24-hour livestream events.
Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.