CRUSADER VISION

BUSY BROADCASTING Behind the lens of media club Crusader Vision

Destiny Tran • News Editor

Ever wished you could be in two places at once? Thanks to Crusader Vision, you kind of can.

Bishop Kenny’s broadcasting club, Crusader Vision, provides a way for families who aren’t able to physically attend high school events to share in the experience in a unique way: via live-streaming.

“It brings the families into the event when they can’t be there,” sponsor Dawn Huskey said.

Crusader Vision, working with Athletic Director Mark Thorson and head coaches of eight different sports, broadcast using the National Federation of State High School Associations website, also known as NFHS.

They also live-stream major events including Bishop’s Mass and Graduation.

Crusader Vision staffers work with a wide range of equipment including tripods, cameras, and a shotgun microphone. Staffers sometimes face challenges managing wires and communicating over headsets with one another to make sure they are covering the right angles. It’s important that they cover the essential shots because the broadcast is live. “The most difficult part would be when the technology goes out on us,” Huskey said. “When things go wrong, we have to figure

out on the spot and make it happen immediately because people are waiting.”

The club used to communicate with wired headsets that made the work tedious, but the school’s athletic department paid for new wireless headsets because Crusader Vision and the athletic department support one another.

On game days, it’s not unusual for Huskey to stay on campus past 9 p.m.

“I do it because it’s about digital representation at the school,” Huskey said.

The club consists of approximately 20 members, and students can join at any time during the school year. There are no requirements to join Crusader Vision, but annual club dues are $25. The officers can teach new members how to set up all necessary equipment, use the cameras and film the events. Additionally, students receive community service hours through their work with the club.

“I’m so proud of all the kids and how much they do for it,” Huskey said. “It’s a lot of service hours outside of school and the students and the group make it worthwhile as well as the players and parents.”

BELOW: Senior Emily Voykovic records annual National Signing Day on Feb. 5.

WILL JOYCE

Senior Will Joyce is president of Crusader Vision. “I joined Crusader Vision because I enjoy not watching what’s being filmed, but what’s behind the scenes,” Joyce said.

Joyce makes all broadcast schedules, consulting with head coaches to see which games should be live streamed.

“The best part would be talking to people during games,” Joyce said. “It can be serious but most of the time it’s heartening.”

ANDREW HELOW

Senior Andrew Helow is secretary of Crusader Vision. Helow helps Joyce with whatever he needs. He joined the club so he could learn more about broadcasting and videography.

“I initially joined Crusader Vision because filmmaking was and still is a passion of mine,” Helow said. “Broadcasting the Bishop Kenny games would allow me to get more experience in camera work.”

SAVANNAH MULLINS

Senior Savannah Mullins is treasurer of Crusader Vision.

As treasurer, Mullins collects dues from all members to help pay for staff dinners on long work nights. “We all have a good relationship and we all get along really well,” Mullins said. “I think it’s a good club to join, especially if you want to be part of something and you want to make new friends.”