It has been a wild ride over the last few weeks for fans of WIU Athletics. From the football team’s road playoff victory at Coastal Carolina, to the men’s basketball team’s near upset of nationally-ranked Missouri, the Leathernecks are keeping us entertained. And now, fans can actively participate as the games are being played. WIU’s Broadcasting Department students have come up with a way for fans at home to be a part of certain Leatherneck games. Simply log in to a designated website during home games while following the game on television or radio, and provide your thoughts alongside the students who are broadcasting live from the game.
This play-by-play action was put into play by Sharon Evans, Broadcasting Department Chair for WIU. I recently had the chance to speak with Evans, who thinks this is a great way for WIU Alumni and fans to stay involved. “I would think alumni would be interested in all aspects of their alma mater and would want to support WIU. Athletics is one way alums from all walks of life can do this,” Evans said. I was told that the new play-by-play blogging has been very successful. The site is also a way to help students in the WIU Broadcasting Department understand changing technologies in the sports broadcasting field.
The new site took Evans just a couple of weeks to complete. She says the blogging has had a positive impact on the students and the Broadcasting Department. “I think it is very beneficial. First, blogging is a way to integrate freshmen and transfer students into our program immediately. Second, blogging gives students the opportunity to use the latest technology in delivering sports,” Evans said.
To participate and be a part of the play-by-play action, visit wiu.edu/cofac/sportsbroadcasting and click on Live Blogging. The blogging site is active during the home games for football, volleyball and basketball. Everything you would want to know about past games and upcoming live blogging opportunities is posted on the site. With winter break here next week, this is a great way to show your school spirit and follow WIU Athletics.
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