East Central University recently hosted their 105th Interscholastic Meet on campus. The event, a long-standing tradition for ECU, brought approximately 700 high school students from across the state to participate.

“The first time I was on a college campus was for an Interscholastic Meet,” said Mark Walling, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. In 2024, Walling discussed the importance of the event and how it benefits participating students, a sentiment he continues to stand by.

That year was the first time Walling coordinated the Interscholastic Meet, which saw 575 high school students visit campus from across the state, a record at the time.

Two years later, the event continues to grow, with more than a hundred additional students in attendance.

High school students from 37 different schools across Oklahoma traveled to ECU to participate.

More than 25 test and contest options were available, ranging from Shakespeare to Microsoft, French to Algebra and Choices in Wellness to Computer Programming, along with other diverse topics.

This year also featured new tests in graphic de- sign, business and English, as well as, a photography competition, music performance and two essay contests that students were able to submit to in advance.

“The number that jumped out at me is that we had 66 students register for the U.S. History exam and that’s, by far, the biggest total we’ve had for a single exam in a long time,” said Walling, when asked about the attendance. “And that’s just an example. We had more students in almost all exams.”

One of the most successful new additions to the Interscholastic Meet was a last-minute inclusion of the ECU Tiger Esports program, which ended up with participation from 14 different schools.

“Providing esports at the Interscholastic Meet was an incredibly unique way to engage students,” said ECU Tiger Esports coach, Cody Soden. “This year was the first time esports was included and fourteen schools participated. We love to see the growth and support for esports on our campus.”

Walling reaffirmed his commitment to the continuing growth of ECU’s Interscholastic Meet for years to come, “We’re excited about getting more students into the exams next year and we’re going to find more exams to offer.”

Walling continued, “A big thank you to ECU President Wendell Godwin for supporting us, he provided our new medals and the ECU t-shirts for all the participants. A big thank you to [Executive Administrative Assistant] Debra Reed, who was a major coordinator of the entire event and Jamie Davis [Director of Event Management] who set up activities in the ECU Foundation Hall that the students loved.”

Davis worked extensively to provide an educational, informational and welcoming environment for the visiting students by converting the ECU Foundation Hall into an event space. Representatives from departments and organizations across campus were set up next to activities such as cornhole, karaoke and more. Providing students with the opportunity to explore college options while having fun.

Students who placed first through third received their own ECU Interscholastic Scholar medal, while fourth and fifth place students received certificates for their accomplishments. In addition, students who placed first through third also received ECU tuition scholarships.