A lot happens in Chatham sports that students never get to see. There are sports that garner a lot of attention, like Football, Lacrosse, and Basketball. And one weekend that gets all the attention: Cougar Weekend. But what about the other sports that don’t get as bright of a spotlight, like Swim, Track, Volleyball, Field Hockey, and more? Cougar Sports Network is a new club that wants to bring more of those sports and moments into the spotlight and turn every game into a Cougar Weekend level of attendance and engagement.
The club will create a weekly sports show focused on what is happening across Chatham athletics. Each episode could include game recaps, big plays, athlete and coach interviews, predictions, reactions, and behind-the-scenes content. Cougar Sports Network wants to create content that students will actually want to watch before and after games. In a nutshell, it’d be the ‘Pulse’ but for sports.
The show will also give students a chance to share their own ideas. Students can help create new segments. Someone might want to interview a captain before a rivalry game, film a practice, make a graphic about a big win, or create a different, innovative segment. The club is meant to be flexible and to encourage engagement, rather than following one ‘fixed’ format.
There are many ways to participate, even for students who do not want to be on camera. Members interested in photography can take action shots, portraits, and behind-the-scenes photos. Videographers can film highlights, create feature stories, and edit interviews. Students with an interest in social media can make posts, reels, and captions to promote the club’s work. Graphic designers can create score graphics, thumbnails, and the visual branding for the Network as well.
For students who do want to be more visible, there are opportunities to host, report, interview athletes, or anything else on camera.
By giving more attention to teams, games, and the people involved, the Cougar Sports Network hopes to build school spirit and make students feel even more connected to athletics. To go out and pack the stands for every sport and support our student-athletes.
The club can also help members build useful experience. Students will be able to save their best photos, videos, graphics, writing, and interviews. A planned Portal website will give members a place to show their work, creating something they can be proud of and potentially use in the future.
At its core, Cougar Sports Network is about telling the stories that happen around Chatham athletics. Whether someone is filming from the sideline, editing a video, designing a post, or interviewing a player, every member can help make the school’s sports community feel bigger, more connected, and more recognized.
