New sports‑broadcasting class and club at Oxford Area High School draws students and community views
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Summary
School leaders told the board the student‑run sports‑broadcasting club and board‑approved class have streamed about 25 games, enroll 41 students and have drawn thousands of online views; alumni grants helped buy equipment, and staff seek improved stadium internet and a press box to expand coverage.
Assistant principal Andrew Wendell and journalism teacher Chris Pierdomenico updated the board on a new sports‑broadcasting program at Oxford Area High School that combines an after‑school club with a board‑approved class. The program launched after visits to Haverford High School for planning and ran its first streamed contest six days after initial planning.
Wendell described the program structure: a student‑run club that broadcasts games (play‑by‑play, color commentary and graphics) and a curricular class that teaches sports journalism, broadcasting ethics, marketing and analytics. "When we started running the club, we had students volunteer to come in the club. And now that we've offered the class, we have 41 students in the class right now," Wendell said.
Teacher Pierdomenico and Wendell credited alumnus Dylan Coyle for financial and professional support: Coyle provided grants through the Oxford Education Foundation (OEF) to purchase equipment and has worked with students on broadcasts. The presenters said community interest is strong, with posted games drawing view counts in the 1,500–2,300 range.
Program leaders requested infrastructure investments to expand coverage beyond current sports: consistent internet access at the stadium and a dedicated press box with power outlets would help the program add baseball, lacrosse and field hockey to its roster. The board heard the request as an operational facilities need tied to planned stadium upgrades.