Cornhole Scholarships: How to Get Paid to Play Bags
Cornhole, often enjoyed at backyard barbecues and tailgates, is rapidly evolving from a casual pastime into a competitive sport with real opportunities for scholarships. While it might seem surprising, skilled cornhole players can now receive financial aid to pursue their college education. This article will explore the world of cornhole scholarships, outlining how they work, who is eligible, and which institutions are leading the charge.
The Rise of Competitive Cornhole
Cornhole's surge in popularity is undeniable. What was once a simple lawn game has transformed into a nationally recognized sport, complete with leagues, championships, and even ESPN broadcasts. The American Cornhole League (ACL), founded in 2016, boasts over 150,000 members worldwide and has attracted corporate sponsors like Bush’s Beans, Bacardi Spiced, and Mike’s Hard Lemonade. This growth has naturally extended to the collegiate level, with the ACL establishing ACL College to promote the sport and host annual championship tournaments.
Trey Ryder, the ACL’s chief strategy officer, emphasizes the organization’s commitment to expanding cornhole in colleges by encouraging schools to form teams. ESPN's coverage has played a crucial role in boosting the sport's popularity and attracting a new wave of players.
Cornhole Goes Collegiate: Varsity Status and Scholarships
Several institutions, including Oklahoma State University, East Carolina University, Texas A&M University, and the University of South Carolina, have already established cornhole club teams. Some players even secure corporate sponsorships and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, earning money by promoting brands on social media.
Adrian College: A Pioneer in Varsity Cornhole
Adrian College, a small Michigan institution, holds the distinction of being the first college to establish a varsity-level cornhole program. Max Benedict, the head coach, was hired in January 2022 with the mission of "making cornhole" a recognized sport at the college.
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Achieving varsity status means that Adrian College covers the costs of uniforms, equipment, travel, and other expenses for its 12 players. Unlike many other schools where students bear these costs, Adrian College provides significant financial support to its cornhole team. Furthermore, any winnings from tournaments are reinvested back into the program.
Benedict's role extends beyond logistics; he also coaches the team, focusing on both tactical acumen and mental preparation. While cornhole might appear simple, it involves strategic elements like laying blocker bags and cutting around opponents' bags. Mental fortitude is also crucial, as players must maintain focus and resilience throughout the game.
Winthrop University: Offering Cornhole Scholarships
Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, has taken collegiate cornhole to the next level by offering athletic scholarships to its players. This makes them the first NCAA Division I program in the country to do so. The university is strategically leveraging the growing cornhole community, particularly its proximity to the American Cornhole League Headquarters, to enhance its enrollment management efforts.
Winthrop's athletic director, Chuck Rey, highlights the strategic importance of offering scholarships to capitalize on the growing cornhole community. The university hopes to attract talented players and elevate the visibility of its "non-sports" teams through national competition broadcasts.
Winthrop’s cornhole team is coached by Dusty Thompson, a former professional player who actively recruits talent and develops players into championship contenders. All 11 team members receive partial scholarships, corporate sponsorships, and opportunities to compete on a top-ranked squad.
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Colson Clary, a first-year exercise science major at Winthrop, emphasizes the financial benefits of playing cornhole in college, including in-state tuition rates and potential earnings from sponsorships. Jacob Harrison, another first-year student, chose the college route over turning professional, recognizing the long-term benefits of pursuing a degree while playing cornhole.
Winthrop aims to emulate the success of its esports team, which has won multiple national championships and offers full-ride scholarships to its members. The university hopes to establish a similarly successful and prominent cornhole program.
How to Qualify for Cornhole Scholarships
While the landscape of cornhole scholarships is still developing, there are general requirements and factors that can increase your chances of receiving financial aid:
- Membership in the American Cornhole League (ACL): The ACL offers a "Baggers" program with Junior and College divisions for players under 21. Becoming a member allows you to participate in local, regional, and national competitions, earning points towards your world ranking.
- Skill and Competitive Success: Demonstrating proficiency in cornhole through consistent performance in tournaments and leagues is essential. High school national championships, as achieved by Winthrop recruits Jaxson Remmick and Gavin Hamann, can significantly enhance your profile.
- Academic Record, Leadership Skills, and Community Service: The ACL considers these factors in addition to cornhole skills when evaluating scholarship applications. Maintaining a strong academic record and demonstrating leadership qualities can set you apart from other candidates.
- Recruitment: College cornhole coaches, like Winthrop's Dusty Thompson, actively scout for talented players. Attending cornhole events and showcasing your skills can attract the attention of recruiters.
- NIL Opportunities: As cornhole gains popularity, opportunities for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are increasing. Securing sponsorships and promoting brands on social media can provide additional financial support.
The Future of Cornhole in College
Despite its growing popularity, many believe cornhole will remain a club sport rather than seeking full NCAA recognition. The ACL's Trey Ryder emphasizes the flexibility of the club model, while Winthrop's coach, Dusty Thompson, expresses concern that NCAA regulations could limit players' opportunities for sponsorships and earnings.
Colson Clary highlights the potential impact of NCAA regulations on students' ability to secure deals and make college more affordable. From an institutional perspective, cornhole can serve as a valuable tool for driving enrollment and retention efforts, regardless of NCAA approval.
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Adrian College's Max Benedict anticipates continued growth in collegiate cornhole, with more colleges establishing programs and offering opportunities for student-athletes.
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