By Kyle Schwartz, Ohio Valley Conference
Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – For the second straight year, Tennessee Tech Athletics' Golden Eagle Sports Network was recognized by the Ohio Valley Conference for its incredible work in video production, receiving one of seven honors as part of the 2015-16 OVC Digital Network Program of Excellence.
Behind the guidance and hard work of Tech Athletics' video production coordinators Tom Hollander and Jordan Ratti, along with assistance from sports technology coordinator Willy Peterson, former video production coordinator Marc Graham and numerous student workers on staff, the Golden Eagle Sports Network claimed this year's Excellence in Ancillary Programming award.
"I am incredibly proud of the efforts of our staff and students who work within the Golden Eagle Sports Network," TTU Director of Athletics Mark Wilson said. "The countless hours and effort that go into each and every broadcast, video and other projects does not go unnoticed and I look forward to seeing our video production department soar to new heights once again next year."
This marks the second year in a row that Tennessee Tech has claimed the honor, earning the accolade in last year's inaugural Program of Excellence. The Golden Eagle Sports Network also earned the 2014-15 Excellence in Features award.
The OVC Digital Network (OVCDN) launched in August 2012 and is the exclusive home for live web streamed athletic contests and ancillary programming involving OVC schools. Overall this marked the third year of events being offered free of charge and in a high-definition format from any computer, smart phone, tablet or Roku without needing any registration or special downloads or apps.
The OVC Digital Network is presented by Delta Dental of Tennessee.
Since its inception four years ago the OVC Digital Network has broadcast over 2,000 events to fans across the world. As of this month the events have exceeded one million total views, including increasing viewership each year.
For the second year in a row the OVC Assessment and Accountability Subcommittee awarded seven total awards as part of a Program of Excellence, including two overall awards of excellence and five secondary awards. The subcommittee, comprised of individuals from a variety of administrative positions within OVC member institutions, was established and charged with setting minimum expectations along with an assessment program to recognize member institutions excelling with the OVCDN.
The awards included:
Overall Award of Excellence, Professional Production: Jacksonville State (Winning Submission)
Overall Award of Excellence, Campus Production: Austin Peay (Winning Submission)
Excellence in Clarity of Production: Austin Peay (Winning Submission)
Excellence in Graphics: Belmont (Winning Submission)
Excellence in Features: Austin Peay (Winning Submission )
Excellence in Ancillary Programming: Tennessee Tech (Winning Submission)
Professionalism in Announcing: Austin Peay (Winning Submission)
"The Conference Office is extremely excited to have the opportunity to recognize all of the hard work and dedication that goes into to content being streamed on the OVCDN throughout the year," said Brian Pulley, OVC Assistant Commissioner for External Affairs. "Our students and administrators put in countless hours to bring the very best coverage to fans each week. We hope this program of excellence continues to grow and create a healthy sense of competition among our member institutions going forward."
OVC member institutions submitted nominations for each of the award categories and those nominations were viewed and judged by the OVC Assessment and Accountability Subcommittee who determined the individual winners. For the overall award of excellence, two awards were given, one which focused on campus-run productions and the others on schools that use professional production companies or local television partners.
Photo by Jim Dillon
