DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION SETS HIGH BAR FOR VIDEO STREAMING Cedarville University Athletics has developed a reputation for producing high-quality video streams thanks to the leadership of the Department of Communication. Throughout the brief history of the phenomenon, the Yellow Jackets have been at the forefront of live video. It went to another level when Jim Kragel, Associate Professor Emeritus of Communications, assumed the reins more than a dozen years ago. He used his extensive background in sports production, coupled with utilizing the University’s broadcasting and digital media majors, to make it a training ground and a product worth watching. That continues today under Shawn Rifner ’12, Studio and Technology Manager. He coordinates a team of student camera workers, producers, and directors. “Our department is able to provide our students multiple opportunities to get behind-the-camera experience at indoor and outdoor athletic events each academic year,” Rifner explained. “Select students receive additional training in producing and directing. We believe our multi-camera setup is one of the best in the G-MAC and NCAA Division II.” “The experience I’m receiving behind the camera and in the production trailer is making me better prepared to enter the broadcast world after graduation,” said Joseph Mattis ’23, a broadcasting, digital media, and journalism major from Somerset, Ohio. “We’re excited to create stories from multiple angles to our audience through live events. Shawn challenges us to meet a high standard that Cedarville is known for.” The fall semester has been the most intense ever with the crew producing more than 60 home athletic events across the G-MAC Digital Network. The list includes such high-profile events as the NCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Midwest Regional and the AllOhio Cross Country Championships under the lights. Viewership numbers continue to climb. According to Presto, which owns the Stretch LIVE video stream platform, there were more than 2,000 unique connections when the Lady Jackets hosted Ferris State in the second round of the women’s soccer Midwest Regional. There were more than 1,200 connections for the cross country meet. Several hundred routinely tune in for Yellow Jacket regular season athletic contests. “The athletic department and our fans, especially parents and families of our student-athletes, are thankful for the investment of the Department of Communication in our video stream production,” added Chris Cross, Athletic Director. “The quality of the programming allows us to better showcase the Yellow Jackets.” Cedarville Magazine | 33 SPORTS
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