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![Carl Leone Oakland University [photo by ADAM ANTOR]](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/170d8c5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x720+0+66/resize/2560x1440!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3d%2F8c%2Fc7a546f4488aae5968740eabaef3%2Fthumbnail-dsc-2620.jpg)
Oakland University is making history in our state, and word is getting around.
The Golden Grizzlies are adding the first D-1 esports varsity team in Michigan this fall, and head coach Carl Leone has been busy.
Two weeks on the job, he told WXYZ he's fielded inquiries from over 200 prospective gamers.
"Five years ago, nobody would really be able to predict this," Leone said. "I was blown away when I got a scholarship to compete in esports."
Leone is a Lake Orion native who spent last year as the League of Legends coach at Aquinas College. League of Legends is one of three games the Golden Grizzlies will play. Super Smash Bros. and Rocket League are the others.
"I'm blown away that I'm here now, but what I'm really excited about now is being able to foster that same opportunity and maybe make it better for our students coming into Oakland University."
