By ZEINAB NAJM
Times-Herald Newspapers
HEIGHTS — The Crestwood Board of Education unanimously approved a five-year contract with the NFHS Network School Broadcast Program to have sporting events broadcast live.
During an Aug. 24 meeting, Director of Business Operations Penny Morgan read a brief description of the agreement which has a $2,500 one-time fee. NFHS will broadcast indoor and outdoor sporting events for the 2020-21 school year.
The agreement will allow the district to broadcast from two venues for varsity, junior varsity and freshman sporting events.
Crestwood Supt. Youssef Mosallam said he and Athletic Director Michael Schley discussed opportunities where the district could broadcast its games live and have them recorded as well.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, however, some of the sports seasons have been postponed and it is unsure if teams will be playing or fans will be allowed even with limited seating.
“We looked at this as a long-term commitment because even when we get out of this pandemic, I think — a lot of districts across our league and county are going this route, where families can watch games live if they can’t come to the game or people can watch it,” Mosallam said. “Or they’re recorded and they can watch them at anytime.
“I, myself, as a former athlete, I wish I could’ve went back and watched myself play after I played a game. On top of that, to take it to the next level, many of our coaches use this recording for coaching and practice to review what the athletes did in the game.”
Trustee Najah Jannoun said she thought the broadcasting program will be good for the families in the district.
“It seems to me to be a decent amount, $2,500 is not a bad deal,” President Donna Ancinec said. “Also, these films can be used for scouting — that’s something they’re always looking for that we’re not always able to give.”
(Zeinab Najm can be reached at [email protected])