Louisiana Baseball ESPN+ Broadcasts Produced Entirely by Louisiana Students

[NewsCopy]

When the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Baseball team took on UT Arlington Saturday and Sunday in the final two games of their Sun Belt Conference series, it was with a unique crew handling the ESPN+ broadcast.

For the first time since the University and the Sun Belt inaugurated ESPN+ broadcasts of several Ragin' Cajuns sports, the two weekend games were produced by University undergraduate students.

"This is what we do this for," said Louisiana Director of Broadcast Services Joel Billeaud. "Our goal has always been to produce a high-quality television production for as many Louisiana Athletics games and events as possible. But we also want to provide our students with the skills and the expertise and the experience they need to be future leaders in the sports broadcasting industry."

Louisiana Athletics
RaginCajuns.com
PRESS RELEASE

[Crawfish]

I watched the broadcast, but I ended up listening to Jay instead of the students, while watching the video feed. The problem was too many statistics, like they were trying too hard. They never paused; it was constant chatter. I like the idea of student broadcasters, but hopefully they will eventually learn that sometimes less is more.

[sportsfanatic21]

I watched the broadcast, but I ended up listening to Jay instead of the students, while watching the video feed. The problem was too many statistics, like they were trying too hard. They never paused; it was constant chatter. I like the idea of student broadcasters, but hopefully they will eventually learn that sometimes less is more.

I thought the kid doing play by play did a pretty good job.

The kid doing color sounded nervous Saturday, talking really fast, etc. And yeah, there wasn’t much analysis, it sounded like he was basically just reading game notes and random stats. But he was noticeably better Sunday with the nerves.

The fact that they stepped up and broadcasted the games is fantastic though. And I’m sure both of the guys on the call will (like anything else) get much better with more experience. And I appreciate the fact that the game was on and they were given the opportunity

[RaginScotsman]

I said the same thing about the stats to my wife. She noticed it too. It was just odd sometimes. "This guy is batting 0.00 in this situation."

All in all, they did a good job. Had no idea they were students doing the commentary. I just thought they brought in another team to relieve Dan for something. The production altogether didn’t seem any different from other + baseball broadcasts. I’ll take every game like that if it’s on tv.

[Cajun90]

I for one appreciate it. Way beyond what many schools do and our students get real world experience. Congrats to all involved.

[Crawfish]

I for one appreciate it. Way beyond what many schools do and our students get real world experience. Congrats to all involved.

I agree. That said, I posted my experience listening. I am glad to read they were better on Sunday. I am glad the students are getting this opportunity.

[RedTails]

Good job students and administration. Appreciate your efforts

[ZoomZoom]

God forbid they add an “L” or “”Lafayette”…full letter grade deduction at least.

[Duggie35]

Everyone has a first day on the job. I’m confident that no one on this board was as good on our first day as we probably are today. I’m sure that the more experience they get, the better they will become. Great job by all involved. Congratulations!

[fanof71]

Doing TV BB play by play is very difficult as the game decides when you speak. The video tells the story....the less said, the better. The other sports, radio or TV demand more "chatter". Happy to hear the students did a good job..

[moorecajun]

I for one appreciate it. Way beyond what many schools do and our students get real world experience. Congrats to all involved.

I appreciated it also. Yes, it was quite easy to tell they were students, but for me, that made it even better to listen to. These are our students, learning as they work and I am very supportive of that.

Maybe this could lead to a broadcasting degree program here (if we don't already have one).

[R1Letterman]

“Cool ‘Tiger’ cap at a cajuns game”- said Nobody