Emporia State University, with support of the City of Emporia and Dynamic Discs, launched a new competitive disc golf program under the ESU Intercollegiate Athletics umbrella in fall 2022.

"The addition of a competitive disc golf team is another example of the forward thinking going on at Emporia State," said new Emporia State Athletic Director David Spafford. "We are excited for this partnership between the university, the city of Emporia and Dynamic Discs to offer more opportunities for student-athletes at ESU."

Students participating in the competitive team will train under the direction of the 2010 PDGA world champion Eric McCabe. The student-athletes that make up the competitive team will compete in local, regional and national competitions. Scholarships are available based on athletic aptitude determined by the coach and gear will be provided to student athletes with support from Dynamic Discs.

"Being a collegiate head coach for disc golf is a dream come true for me. The fact that I am able to coach the fastest growing sport in the world at my home town university is icing on the cake," said McCabe. "The commitment from ESU, the city of Emporia and Dynamic Discs has me excited and I can't wait to get on the recruiting trail."

In addition to his career on the disc golf course, McCabe is a world renowned course designer and a member of the Board of Directors at Dynamic Discs. He was the founder of the Glass Blown Open in Emporia that has evolved into the Dynamic Discs Open, one of the largest disc golf tournaments in the world.

"It is a huge step for Emporia State University to see the value in investing in the sport of disc golf," said Jeremy Rusco, Owner/Founder of Dynamic Discs and 2006 ESU graduate. "With thousands of dollars committed to scholarships and the hiring of 2010 PDGA World Champion Eric McCabe to coach the team, I expect that ESU will compete for a National Collegiate Disc Golf title soon!"

Emporia State is located in the Disc Golf Capital of the World Emporia, Kansas. The city is the home of Dynamic Discs and plays host to the Dynamic Discs Open along with several world championship events. Emporia features 13 disc golf courses in the city, including two championship level courses.

"It is awesome that more disc golf growth is evident right in our backyard! With the hiring of Eric McCabe as their disc golf coach and with the investment into a specific disc golf scholarship fund, ESU is building the foundation for what is sure to be a top-ranked collegiate disc golf program," said Doug Bjerkaas, President of Dynamic Discs. "In addition, the fact that the athletic department is supportive and welcoming of this new venture speaks volumes for the commitment that ESU is making to our growing sport"

All funds raised during this campaign will be utilized in recruiting, travel, registrations, etc. for the 2023-2024 school year.