Ravens Sports Network Broadcasts First Away Game

by Mike Davies
edited by Casey Williams

Students were able to hear the Ravens Sports Network broadcast their first away game of the year during the Franklin Pierce University Ravens’ 5-1 win over UMass Lowell at LaLacheur Field on April 25.

Sophomore Amanda Panaro and Matt Janik, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications, were in charge of the play by play during the first game away from Dr. Arthur and Martha Pappas Field.  Janik lent his talent as a guest broadcaster, working his first game since 2007, when he served as a play-by-play announcer in the New England Collegiate Baseball League.

“It was much easier to broadcast this game because I was with such an experienced broadcaster,” said Panaro.  She also credited her performance to Janik due to his knowledge of the team.

Janik went on air for the first time in three years. “It was a little jarring when I was thrown right into the fire when each of the first two batters put the first pitch in play, but from there, it was easy,” said Janik.  He was surprised by the amount of chemistry they were able to build in only one game.

The Ravens Sports Network has not been able to make any road games this season due to conflicting schedules of sportscasters.  Casey Williams, Pierce Media Group Sports Director, is trying to find a way for Ravens Sports Network to cover more away games.  “We have high expectations for next year,” said Williams. “The department lacked volunteers this year and our main focus now is to recruit more volunteers.”

Williams also gave credit to those students that stepped up and did a large portion of the work this year.  With hopes of more students contributing next year, Williams sees a great opportunity for students to gain experience in sports broadcasting.

The current Ravens Sports Network crew has little experience with away games.  One of the problems with broadcasting away games is press box space for both home and away teams.  Panaro also mentioned that it takes a while to get used to a different press box, but would do it again in order to see different parks.  But, according to Janik, covering home games always comes first.

Because there are no more away games this season, Panaro plans on being an announcer for the Northeast-10 tournament, which is likely to be played at Franklin Pierce University.