Cleveland High students bring CFC games to viewers worldwide

From Local 3 News: Chattanooga Football Club soccer fans get a real treat at each weekend's home games, watching game highlights and instant replays on the Finley Stadium video board, and streaming online.

Little do they know that the games are being shot, edited and beamed worldwide by Cleveland High School students, getting some valuable work experience.
 
High above the action on the field at Finley Stadium, these Cleveland High students, who work on the school's CHS Live newscast, spend part of their weekend's making sure soccer fans can see the action close up, wherever they may be.

Sophomore Sasha Ram said, "I like having something to do on weekends, Otherwise I would just be home doing nothing. But here I am working and making money at the same time."

Del Halfacre is the digital media instructor at Cleveland High. He says CFC offered the production jobs to his students, and both sides are happy. He can do simulations in the classroom, but this is real world live video shooting and editing.

He said, "Even over the summer, these students give up their weekend, and they love taking hands-on experience."

Digital media is one of Cleveland High's most popular career-tech classes. By the time the students graduate, they've done a little bit of everything, on campus and off.
 
They stream Cleveland High School football games, assist teachers with video projects, and shoot and produce promotional videos for the school.

Just like the camera operators you see each week on ESPN and NBC, the CHS live crew is on the sideline, with the best view in the entire stadium.

Senior Mark Bonine said, "It brings out the passion in me, our teacher makes everything better, it's so much fun."

Some of the Cleveland students are soccer players themselves, while others are still learning the game. They know a big part of their job is following the ball, making sure they, and the fans don't miss any goals or other big plays.

Senior Cade Cox said, "Honestly I love being down here on the field. I'm having fun while being at work, it's great."

This weekend activity is just a small part of Cleveland's digital media class. Past students have gone on to college, or straight to the workforce. They're gaining experience in multi-camera shoots, editing, commentary and more. It's why this class is in big demand, and there's no shortage of students willing to work these games.

Halfacre said, "Our classes are full every year, I don't have to beg them to sign up to work these games. They're ready to work. It's a good problem to have."

Teachers say the weekly pressure of shooting, editing and streaming a live sporting event is the best way they know to teach the importance of communication and teamwork.