Oracle Online

Over seventy years later, we find ourselves in a world that is quite different than that of Philo and Cliff. With ease and frequency, we can record and broadcast moving images as they occur and send messages instantly. We have come a long way.

In years past, it has been the opinion of many, on and off campus, that Hamline has been behind the technology curve when it comes to their facilities and programs. This year, Hamline has put one foot ahead of the other and embraced the technology of today’s century. Hamline’s Athletic Department, specifically, has improved and increased it’s implementation of technology.

One of the most prominent upgrades, thus far, has been the football team’s use of the security cameras overlooking Klas Field. “The cameras give the football team a better view and a better angle. It also makes my job easier because the coaches are happy with the final product,” video coordinator Mike Kroupa. The Piper football squad’s video team previously had to prop a camera up in the press box. This set up created a very shallow and ineffective view of the action transpiring on the field.

When asked what the immediate impact has been with the upgrades, Pipers Defensive Coordinator Chad Rogosheske said, “Huge. Having video of practices and video gives us the tools to provide the highest level of teaching to our players.”

This consolidation of major resources from Safety and Security and the Athletic Department is a sensible and logical solution. It saves the university from making large investments in new equipment that is seldom used. It is the way to go for schools like Hamline who have spent sparingly and frugally in the past. The culture of Division-III schools, like Hamline, focuses mainly on making the most of what is available. It is no revelation that the budgets of Division-III schools pale in comparison to those in Division-I and Division-II.

“We have to thank the university and Safety and Security for the partnership which allowed for us to use the security cameras for the football team,” said Athletic Director Dan O’Brien.

In addition to the new video capabilities of the football team, fans of Piper athletics will be able to enjoy the games from the comforts of their own home. Select Piper football, volleyball, mens and womens soccer, and mens and womens basketball contests will be available to follow online. Live audio and video streaming of games and events are available to users of both Windows Media Player and Quicktime through the Hamline website. This will obviously serve as a great tool for out-of-state alumni, athlete relatives and sports fans in general.

“The need for upgrades is there with technology constantly changing. Whether it’s a PC or equipment we use here at Hamline, the hope is you can get caught up. In the athletic department we have been behind the times. I feel that’s not the case now. The minor changes will be great teaching tools. Just as technology has an impact in the classroom, I suspect upgrades will improve the coaches’ ability to teach the players,” said O’Brien.