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School events go global at East Lycoming

By Staff | Sep 25, 2012

Hughesville High School seniors Jack Lundy (left) and Ryan Kepner, operate a camera used in live telecasting of school events

HUGHESVILLE- Advancements in technology and equipment have resulted in the live telecasting of events at Hughesville High School. At Friday evening’s football game this phenomenon began in the press box high above the bleachers at Schaefer Stadium.

Demonstrating on the screen of his cell phone as he walked along the stadium’s sidelines, Mr. Michael Pawlik, East Lycoming Superintendent of Schools, viewed the action of the football game as simultaneous plays were in progress a few feet away.

With enthusiasm in his voice, Pawlik said, “These telecasts allow out of the area alumni to keep in touch with their school and grandparents who were unable to attend events. They won’t miss observing participation by family members. It can’t help but have a positive effect.”

In his fifth year as the school’s Director of Technology, Mr. Adam Creasy was in the press box overseeing students Ryan Kepner and Jack Lundy. During last Friday’s football game when Hughesville played against Montoursville, these students also represented twenty active members of the yearbook staff.

The students believe these hands-on experiences will prepare them for future careers as Lundy anticipates entering the field of videography and cinematography; and Kepner plans a career in mechanical engineering.

ESPN commentators Mark Mussina and Todd Bartley provide play by play action during the live telecasting of Hughesville’s home football game against Montoursville Sept. 21

Telecasting the games is a cooperative effort between the district and ESPN stationed in Williamsport. Students man the cameras while ESPN commentators Mark Mussina and Todd Bartley announce the play by play action.

Additional cameras on the ground were manned by students Mel Santo and Hannah Avery. Cameras on the field make it possible to obtain up close and personal interviews with coaches and provide varied angles during individual plays.

According to yearbook advisor, Mr. Tooey, “The school invested in top of the line cameras capable of capturing 6600 images without downloading, and the color is outstanding.”

Affixed to a nearby window in the press box is a wireless hook up which sends sounds and images to the school’s computer room where it’s immediately fed back to a monitor as it’s transmitted to the outside world.

In addition to games, post time and half time performances by the bands are also telecast. The camera in the press box provides an excellent ‘bird’s eye view’ of the musicians and flag teams as they execute their various routines.

Directions on gaining access was shared by Creasy who said, “Anyone with an internet connection can use their computer web browser or smart phone to access the live events by going to “http://www.eastlycoming.net/livestream”>www.eastlycoming.net/livestream. At any time one can also visit www.eastlycoming.net/videos to view past recorded events. School activities can also be followed on twitter (@eastlycoming) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/groups/eastlycoming) for up to the minute updates during the broadcasts.”

At this time, East Lycoming is the only school doing live broadcasts of sporting events with non-stationary cameras and production equipment. Other school districts in the Intermediate Unit have received the Lifesize HD video conferencing equipment, however, East Lycoming is the only district who has utilized it in a video production environment.

The school’s first broadcast event was the Spartan Spectacular Band Concert on March 30, 2012. The 2012 graduation was also broadcast and continues to be available by logging on to the video section.

One can sit in the stands with a cell phone and obtain both a visual and transmitted view of the game, or be logged in while in line at the refreshment stand. Staying in contact may also be done from a sofa with an internet connection. Going global is one of the latest advances for the East Lycoming School District.