Winthrop students are the ones bringing you the school’s sports broadcasts on ESPN+.
This opportunity stems from the Digital Sports Production concentration within the degree of Mass Communication. Six classes dedicated to teaching students the skills they need to run an NCAA division one level sports broadcast.
David Ruckman is the producer for Winthrop’s ESPN+ broadcasts and works with all the students who choose the DSP concentration. He says the experience students get when choosing this track is of great value.
“I think the biggest advantage this production track gives students is the real life application of what they are learning or have yet to learn in the classroom,” he said.
“A lot of the equipment Winthrop athletics uses in their productions on ESPN+ are the same units used in other production studios throughout the sports industry, including sports organizations in and around the city of Charlotte. The skills students learn by working in the Winthrop Athletics production environment are transferable almost immediately.”
Skills students learn in their classes range from camera operation and running replays, to using graphics and directing. Students also get an opportunity to do social media work.
Ruckman is adamant that upon completing this program and earning their degree students will have the capability to do work for a multitude of teams in the area.
“Winthrop University students in this track will have the ability to capably run a professional high definition camera and run the instant replay machine for professional teams in the area. The Charlotte Knights or Charlotte Checkers for example.”
During last year’s winter break Ruckman actually took two students who’d been working with him to work at an event outside Winthrop University.
“I invited two students from the live sports production track to join my crew at the USOPC’s National Paralympic Swimming Championship which was held right here in Charlotte.”
Jack Shelton graduated from Winthrop in 2022 with a Mass Communications degree and worked on school broadcasts with Ruckman. He says the atmosphere of the broadcast crew is generally one he likes.
“David and the crew are attentive towards teaching the students. Working games is pretty chill for the most part. The crew is enjoyable and allows for mistakes as you learn the techniques and skills,” he said.
“It’s one of my favorite crews to work with in terms of sports broadcasting.”
Sophomore Mass Communications major Naseem Benjamin agrees.
“David and his crew do a good job teaching the students,” he said.
Winthrop’s next ESPN+ broadcast is tomorrow. At 6:00 p.m. Winthrop volleyball will face USC Upstate. Winthrop students will be helping run the broadcast.
