ALAMOSA, CO - Kris Mugrage will be the new driving force of the Trinidad State College esports program. Mugrage joins Trinidad State in this spring semester with the leading the esports program on a multitude of fronts. Esports at Trinidad State are not only an avenue for collegiate competition, but also an avenue for community outreach and student life enhancement on both the Alamosa and Trinidad campuses.
Coach Mugrage is originally from Seattle, Washington; but has spent the last nine years in Alamosa where he earned his Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science and Masters of Science in Kinesiology from Adams State University. He has been an avid and competitive gamer for the majority of his life. Coach Mugrage brings experience in competitive gaming, computer building, streaming, and esports relations to the Valley Campus where Trinidad State's state-of-the-art esports arena is located. Mugrage also brings formal education and practical knowledge of mental performance sports.
Assistant Athletic Director and Director of Esports Kyle Masterson commented on the hiring of Kris Mugrage, "We are lucky to have someone with Kris' background leading our esports program. Few people have the first hand experience in gaming combined with the formal education in the mental performance side of sports; which the importance of cannot be overstated in esports."
When asked about his new role Coach Mugrage stated, "I'm really excited about this opportunity to build a program based around a lifelong passion of mine. I believe with my background in coaching and sports psychology, plus my love for gaming we can develop a successful and fun environment for all."
Mugrage will now set to work building teams around various games and creating openings for community outreach through esports. Coach Mugrage has already had a meeting with potential team members to discuss what game titles TSC will compete in this spring through the NJCAAE. Competition will begin in February with game dates and times to be announced.
Additionally Coach Mugrage has set in motion plans to make the esports arena available for use by Alamosa community members through "Open Arena Nights". The goal of these is to make gaming more accessible to individuals of all ages within the valley. Wednesday nights the arena will be available for all to come into and game on the Trinidad State gaming computers. Hours will be announced via Instagram and Facebook soon.
For more information about the Trinidad State Esports team or Open Arena Nights please reach out to Coach Mugrage at kristoffer.mugrage@trinidadstate.edu.