Alex Cho ’23
The Blue Storm Report is tasked with covering topics promoting Mercersburg Academy athletics. A lot of hard work and countless hours go into this PGA that not many people are aware even exists. The job is entrusted to the hands of just five students: Abby Hann ’23, Katie Himes ’23, Olatz Marques ’23, Charli McInturff ’23, and Jake Traverse ’22.
Their jobs consist of preparing graphics for social media – then sharing it on different platforms – live-broadcasting and commentating games, taking photos, and promotion.
However, Himes further added to this long list of tasks, “Our main goal is to recognize our student athletes and the teams.” Ultimately, all of these activities accumulate to shine a spotlight on Mercersburg athletics.
Paul Sipes, the faculty adviser to the students, said when asked about the learning experience behind their jobs, “The experience is about learning some of the systems available in broadcasting and techniques for creating professional graphics for media use.”
“The experience is really different from any other PGA. You don’t realize the production that needs to happen for this program. It’s a lot, from financing, communications, planning [through] a lot of effort and thought contributes to our program to happen. So the experience can be overwhelming but also exciting to see everything that happens. I wouldn’t pick a different PGA… I mean it’s a team [effort]. We all work together in completing different projects. Everyone brings something to the team. Mr. Sipes with random stories or everyone else always being there to lend a hand. It just works,” McInturff added.
“I’m really liking this experience. You get to meet a lot of new people and you get a look into the real world demand of sports media. It’s busier than some people think and our job comes with a lot of responsibility and quick problem solving when needed,” said Himes.
Furthermore, their work is very much appreciated among the community. Maria Akaras ‘24, a lacrosse player, shared her opinions about the students “It’s been comforting that even in the difficulties of Covid, my parents can watch me play in games through the broadcasting brought to us by the Blue Storm Report team.” Many athletes on campus expressed their gratitude for the jobs of the team. “I think it is also nice for virtual students to still feel some sort of connection to the community and watch Mercersburg athletics via the broadcast.” Akaras added.
There is much work that goes on behind the scenes of Mercersburg athletics to make the entire program function. It is a methodical and meticulously planned program. However, the PGA is one that the students enjoy and that keeps them busy and the Mercersburg community has been and will continue to enjoy athletics through their lens and their words.