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AFM Magazine


The Last Rep

Technology
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Technology is becoming more intricate with every season that passes, so American Football Monthly recently sat down with six of the top video coordinators and recruiting coordinators from around the country to get their thoughts on some of the major issues concerning their industry.


What is the hottest new technology in your industry?

“ I would say DVD ... the Pac 10 is trading film on DVD ... it is cost effective and space efficient. I am literally sitting in a room of 1,000s of tapes. The problem with tape is that it has a shelf life of about seven years then it starts to deteriorate. Coaches have to be able to see the numbers on the backs of players, to get that you must have good, quality cameras. Digital cameras deliver a clean, crisp image.” – Shaun Lorenzano, video coordinator, Louisiana Tech

“ At North Texas it is very important for us to utilize technology since we have to go after more athletes just to sign what we need to be competitive. Recruiting software can allow coaches to input information even on the road using a handheld computer. You can load all the info, from his grades in an English class, to an address or his girlfriend’s name.” – Kenny Evans, recruiting coordinator, North Texas

“ I think the biggest buzz in technology is being able to stay in contact with your recruits, such as cell phones, laptops, but also the handheld computers that can double as your cell phone and laptop ... you can retrieve your email, fax. Things that make the coaches job easier so that he cannot only stay in contact with the office, his staff and his recruit. Technology improves by leaps and bounds year by year, so what’s hot this month will be obsolete next year.” – Scott Downing, recruiting coordinator, Nebraska

“ DVD is an area were changes are coming at our level the fastest. VHS is still going to be around despite the fact that some manufacturers are pushing digital formats. I have yet to see high school tapes arrive to my desk on Mini-DV formats. So, we still have to maintain our VHS systems. Camera upgrades are also very popular ... schools can now purchase broadcast-quality cameras.” – Tom Doyle, video coordinator, Colorado

“ Non-linear editing systems are the probably the hottest things going.” – Gary Foxworth, video coordinator, Kentucky

“ Putting film on disc is the greatest improvement ... if you take your recruiting video and break it down into the video systems, then you can view your recruit and automatically look at him 10 plays into the game. Also, different recruiting software packages allows you to track all of your letters, track all of your official visit plans, track all of the family data ... it also helps with compliance.” – David Wilson, recruiting coordinator, Georgia Tech

How do you establish lines of communication between your department and the coaching staff?

“ During the summer months you need to show them to be self-sufficient in regards to handling video technology. Encourage questions and observation.” – Shaun Lorenzano, video coordinator, Louisiana Tech

“ Everybody technology at different levels, some guys embrace technology, while others avoid it. I think as you look to upgrade or expand your tech capabilities, you must look for something that will fill the niche for everyone.” – Scott Downing, recruiting coordinator, Nebraska

“ K.I.S.S. ... Keep It Simple Stupid method. In other words, don’t try to do too much with the system. Make sure that the things you have in storage are the things you need. Don’t accumulate too much data, because it can become a nightmare if not managed properly.” – Tom Doyle, video coordinator, Colorado

“ My job is to make sure that we stay in the 21st Century. I get the football program set up with the best quality film that they can use and teach them how to use the system.” – Gary Foxworth, video coordinator, Kentucky

“ We will do several seminars with our staff were we bring the manufacturers of our systems in and give workshops on its proper use.” – David Wilson, recruiting coordinator, Georgia Tech

What advice do you have for other coaches?

“ The first mistake is going out and buying an editor right away ... the first thing you should focus on is the camera ... your camera is the root of everything. You have to get a reliable camera. There are quality mini-DV cameras that are affordable and functional.” – Shaun Lorenzano, video coordinator, Louisiana Tech

“ In recruiting, time is the most important element. You definitely get what you pay for. You also want ease of upgrading.” – Kenny Evans, recruiting coordinator, North Texas

“ It is always important when looking at either hardware or software to have flexibility. Is it compatible with your current equipment? As you buy hardware, is it expandable hardware? So in other words, if a manufacturer comes out with an upgrade, do you have to completely overhaul your system or do you just expand your hardware to handle the new software? Will your upgrade be available through updates or does your company include those upgrades in the initial price or every time you come up with an upgrade? Or do you have to cough up another $10,000 to get upgraded.

“Also, know your service contract agreement. Define your primary needs and get the equipment that fulfills those needs. Remember, coaches need to use computers and technology, but you still have to give hand-written letters to add a personal touch. Coaches must meld the old and new philosophies.” - Scott Downing, recruiting coordinator, Nebraska

“ Upgradeablity, Serviceability and Expandability are three areas that a consumer should be aware of. When a school does purchase an editing system, one of the key factors the school must look at is the service contract. Many companies may request a percentage of the overall cost as the annual service fee, but this allows for 24/7 support and upgrades. Most programs, especially at the high school level while just starting out will probably lean on the tech support pretty heavily in the beginning until they learn the ropes.

“Find out what kind of support staff they have. I recently spoke with a colleague and he told me about a company that came in and pitched a system to the head coach and the head coach loved it. Then one of the video coordinators started asking questions and found out that a man, his wife and his brother-in-law, ran the company and that was it. So you have to know what happens in the worst-case scenario ... if only one or two people know how to service your system, then you have a problem. Getting a product that works well for the salesperson is not the key, the key is finding a product that works well for you.” - Tom Doyle, video coordinator, Colorado

“ The first thing you need is the equipment to shoot the game film on, so you have to have good cameras. Bad video is still bad video no matter what your editing system you are using.” - Gary Foxworth, video coordinators, Kentucky






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