WTVN brings sporting events to cable TV
By CHELSEA ARNHOLD
MHS student reporter
Most high school students only dream of seeing themselves on prime time television. But, thanks to Warrior Television Network (WTVN) on any given Wednesday or Sunday evening, Marion High School students, their friends, and relatives can watch, or even record, their performances. The WTVN crew can be found at most sporting events and many activities throughout the school year. They've been at it about eight years.
Who are these men? What drives them to perform such unselfish deeds? "We really enjoy doing it. We really think that the kids in this town are worth our effort," said Kevin Hoffer, announcer for WTVN.
It all started with Dennis and Janis Maggard working with equipment that was loaned to them by the local cable company, Hurst Cable. They used Hurst's camera equipment for about a year or two, until they were able to collect money from local entities and buy their own equipment.
Many volunteers makes the process easier for everyone. For away football games Mike Powers is the driver and an announcer. Two other announcers on the platform are Kevin Hoffer and Ed Wheeler. Casey Case is on the field announcing. Judy Powers and Jay Smith operate the cameras on the field.
Others who help out include Bruce Skiles, Kevin Fruechting, and Gene Hett. Most of these individuals no longer have children involved in high school.
So how does such a nonprofit organization stay in business? Sponsorships are sold to local businesses. Advertising runs from $50-$250. In addition, parents can chip in. A donation of $25 a year is enough to keep WTVN cameras rolling.
"We've gotten very high tech since we started," said Casey Case. They can do instant replays and there is more equipment to take on the road now. The product keeps improving.
WTVN has a lot planned for this year. They've been at all football games and home volleyball games, and plan to broadcast home basketball games and the two home wrestling meets.
Last year the crew did one of the track meets which, because of the diverse nature of track, was a little more difficult than they anticipated. Nevertheless they'll attempt another track meet in the spring. They have discussed filming one of the baseball games, but that still is in the planning stages.
Covering football is a time-consuming project. A crew usually arrives two to two-and-a-half hours before a game. It takes the crew an hour to build their own mobile tower with 25 feet of scaffolding. Inclement weather doesn't keep them down — they have tarp to attach for a roof and three walls. They get the camera and equipment on the platform and try to allow time to eat before the game. Then it's showtime!
After the game, they get all the equipment off the tower and disassemble the scaffolding, another hour's job. Then they're finally homeward bound.
This fraternity of individuals who trudge out in the wind and weather show dedication that outshines the spectators who come faithfully to the games. It's quite an operation to get the game on TV every week. So as you're sitting in your cozy home, sipping your tea, enjoying Warrior action on local Marion Cable Channel 22, think about the many volunteer man hours that have gone into the production and give a WTVN worker a hearty "thank you" the next time you see one.
