In an effort to keep the playing field equal as well as promote community through sport, the live streamed Lynnville-Sully basketball games will be audio only this winter.
This fall was the first time L-S football games were live streamed on thecube.com with both audio and visual available. The Hometown Press initiated the live streaming with area businesses coming alongside as sponsors. Dwight Beyer, Mark Doll, Shane Ehresman, and Ryan McFarland were instrumental in live streaming the games each week. Many Hawk fans tuned in and provided positive feedback about being able to watch the games online.
It’s important to note that having the football games accessible online to Hawk opponents did not put other teams at an advantage. That’s because football teams are required to share film based on district and playoff rules.
The rules are different for basketball, however. Game footage does not have to be shared with other teams. For this reason, both L-S girls coach Jerry Hulsing and boys coach Nick Harthoorn agree that live streaming the Hawks’ basketball games would put their players at a disadvantage, not only for conference games but for tournament time as well.
“By putting game film on the cube, we would be providing scouting opportunities for our opponents without getting anything in return,” Harthoorn explained.
Another reason the coaches prefer the basketball games be audio-only is to promote game attendance. If the games had video online, fans would possibly stay home during the winter and watch the games online instead. The atmosphere in the gym could be affected, and revenue from games would decline, hurting the athletic budget.
“Athletics is supposed to build community and bring people together,” Hulsing said. “What better way to do that than to bring them into the gym instead of spread out in their homes? The small school support has always been one of the best things about Lynnville-Sully.”
Also, when fans and families attend games in person, it builds a desire in the youth to be like the high school athletes they see playing. That, in turn, helps build the athletic programs as kids choose to participate in sports as they get older.
As the basketball season gets rolling this week, the L-S coaches as well as the Hometown Press hope to see the stands full of Hawk supporters. But for those who can’t make it to each game, online audio access will hopefully keep Hawk pride high even from afar.
“Nick and I really appreciate all the support we have and will get from the community and Hometown Press,” Hulsing said.
To tune in to L-S games, visit thecube.com and search for “Lynnville-Sully High School.” At home games, video may be shown of the starting lineups, timeouts, half-time shows, etc., just not game action.
Any business or Hawk fan interested in being a winter sports live stream sponsor is encouraged to contact the Hometown Press at 641-594-3200 or press@netins.net.
At right is a schedule of the games to be audio live streamed this winter. Note: Two home wrestling meets will be live streamed for the first time this year, using both audio and visual.
LIVE STREAMED BASKETBALL GAMES
Friday, Nov. 18 – home vs. Iowa Valley – varsity girls only
Monday, Nov. 21 – home vs. HLV – varsity girls only
Tuesday, Nov. 29 – home vs. BGM – varsity girls/boys
Friday, Dec. 2 – home vs. NM – varsity girls/boys
Tuesday, Dec. 6 – at HLV – varsity girls/boys
Friday, Dec. 9 – home vs. Montezuma – varsity girls/boys
Tuesday, Dec. 13 – at Colfax-Mingo – varsity girls/boys
Friday, Dec. 16 – at Keota – varsity girls/boys
Tuesday, Dec. 20 – home vs. Belle Plaine – varsity girls/boys
Tuesday, Jan. 3 – at Tri-County – varsity girls/boys
Tuesday, Jan. 10 – at Sigourney – varsity girls/boys
Friday, Jan. 13 – home vs. English Valleys – varsity girls/boys
Tuesday, Jan. 17 – at BGM – varsity girls/boys
Friday, Jan. 20 – at NM – varsity girls/boys
Friday, Jan. 27 – at Montezuma – varsity girls/boys
Tuesday, Jan. 31 – home vs. Colfax-Mingo – varsity girls/boys
Thursday, Feb 2 – home vs. Iowa Valley – varsity boys only
Friday, Feb 3 – girls cross over placing game TBD
Tuesday, Feb 7 – home vs. HLV – varsity boys only
Post-season play – TBD
LIVE STREAMED WRESTLING MEETS
Thursday, Dec. 1 – home vs. Belle Plaine, North Mahaska, and Pekin
Thursday, Jan. 12 – home vs. BGM and Iowa Valley
On thecube.com, search for Lynnville-Sully High School.
