By Aiden Nelson ’23 News Reporter
There’s a new duo on campus taking the sports scene by storm – Blue Storm! However, this tandem, Daanish Rashid ’20 and Andrew Stoner ’20, make their impact not in the arena in the commentator’s booth.
The signature voices of Blue Storm Network (BSN), Rashid and Stoner have the goal to give alumni and parents the opportunity to catch up on and watch Mercersburg Academy sports with commentary similar to that found on ESPN. While the BSN, covers a range of athletic events, including everything from girls varsity squash matches and wrestling meets, the BSN mainly focuses in on boys varsity basketball, a sport where the two commentators have a wealth of knowledge and insight. During their commentary, a play-by-play analysis of the game and color commentary give the viewer an exciting experience – especially when dunks occur!
Both had always enjoyed watching sports even before they learned that Mercersburg sporting events were going to be live-streamed this year on BSN. After finding out about the opportunity, Rashid and Stoner immediately jumped on it after hearing that the games would be streamed without commentary. They instantly thought that they were needed, since a silent sports broadcast can be quite boring for those watching. To secure the job, they completed an application process. After sending in their applications, athletic director Rick Hendrickson approved.
Since then, they have been commenting over many athletic events during the winter season, but especially boys varsity basketball games. Stoner was very happy that Mercersburg athletics had made the decision to live stream games, saying, “I never had the chance to go to games live because I was so busy with sports and homework. I felt that this opportunity could solve a problem that I myself have faced in previous years and catch up on the basketball I have missed in the past.”
Rashid added, “I enjoy the atmosphere when commentating. The energy is felt through the crowd, and it gets contagious to the point where everyone is feeling it.” Rashid said.
This explains the synergy between the duo, providing a narration similar to that of Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy from NBA on ABC. With Stoner showcasing his knowledge of the game of basketball and Rashid bringing the hype when someone hits an amazing shot or throws down a fierce dunk.
Stoner said, “By broadcasting, I am able to bring the game to [parents], so they can watch their sons and daughters perform. It’s great to know that people watch our broadcasts because it feels like our work is put to good use.”
Fans can continue to enjoy Rashid and Stoner and to show support for Blue Storm atheltes during every basketball game and wrestling match during the winter season at https://www.mercersburg.edu/beyond-classroom/athletics/game-broadcasts.