Harrisburg, PA – Earlier this month, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) once again transformed into a destination for prospective students. Alongside HU’s Spring Accepted Students Day, Harrisburg University Esports Management, Production, and Performance (ESPT) students hosted the 2024 PA Cup, presented by Cricket Wireless. The students oversaw the conception, planning, execution, and livestreaming of the tournament. Students conceptualize the event in the fall semester and bring it to life the following spring.
Representing Harrisburg University, Jennifer Metz, PhD, Associate Professor and Program Lead of ESPT said, “The PA Cup is a cornerstone event for Harrisburg University’s Esports Management major. It’s a testament to HU’s commitment to experiential learning. Our students use their academic knowledge to organize a real esports tournament that excites and inspires.”
The PA Cup, an annual esports event hosted by HU since 2019, has become a staple in high school esports competitions. This year, the event drew 13 high schools and over 90 competing students to HU’s downtown Harrisburg campus to go head-to-head for the PA Cup championships in Rocket League and Valorant. Rocket League matches, held in the morning, had some close matchups before the end, but led to Biglerville High School Esports being crowned the 2024 PA Cup Rocket League Champions.
After a short break in the early afternoon, the Valorant competition began in HU’s 1151 classroom, where Intel® “Beast Canyon” 11th Gen PCs and ViewSonic Elite monitors powered the students’ gameplay. Cricket Wireless was also named a presenting sponsor of the event and was featured on the event’s signage and livestream. As the competition progressed, one team remained dominant: Susquehanna Township High School Esports – AKA Hanna Esports – fought their way through the competition and landed on top as the 2024 PA Cup Valorant Champions.
Along with being a great high school esports competition, the 2024 PA Cup served as an experiential learning opportunity for HU’s ESPT majors. “This event provides our students with a rare chance to gain practical experience in organizing an esports event. They learn about various aspects of the industry, including tournament operations, shoutcasting, streaming, sponsorships, and leadership. It is an excellent opportunity for them to explore new interests, discover their passion, and create lasting memories,” said Professor Metz. The 28 student volunteers led the 10-hour livestream, cast the matches, progressed the tournament bracket, and more.
As winners of the PA Cup, Biglerville and Susquehanna Township both received professional wrestling-style championship belts along with championship jerseys from EsportsGear featuring the PA Cup, Harrisburg University, and Cricket logos. HU ESPT Student, Zachary Frattaroli (‘25), marked the conclusion of this successful community event by saying:
“[The PA Cup] meant a ton for me. Having that chance to build an event based on students’ ideas was amazing and allowed for some unique ideas. Instead of having a regular trophy, we designed a championship belt for the winning teams. There’s nothing like seeing the kids’ faces when they show up to an event and have fun – and to know it was because of me and all my fellow classmates who made it possible means the world.”
To learn more about Harrisburg University’s Esports Management program and upcoming esports events, check out the HU Esports page: https://www.harrisburgu.edu/hu-experience/esports/. HU will also launch a bachelor’s degree in Game Design in the fall of 2024.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in the fields of science, technology, and mathematics. For additional information about the University’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717-901-5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
