MacsLive Broadcasting Service Receives $47,000 in Donations for Upgrades
MacsLive, Yeshiva University Athletics’ official broadcasting service for games and tournaments, received $47,000 in donations for equipment upgrades and enhanced broadcasting capabilities, according to a MacsLive press release from Sunday, Nov. 14.
MacsLive will upgrade from their single HD camera to four Sony a7S III cameras with greater live streaming capabilities. All four cameras will be stationed in the Max Stern Athletic Center, three of which will be wireless, allowing for a more efficient camera setup. New monitors in the MacsLive control room will allow the broadcasting team to create faster and cleaner streaming for at-home viewers. Additionally, new technical equipment will allow MacsLive “to put together packages and use in-game highlights for smoother transitions,” the press release said. MacsLive will also be collaborating with the Office of Student Life to livestream student council-related events.
Given the uncertainty of COVID-19 developments, when equipment will arrive and whether athletic seasons will follow as planned, it is unclear when MacsLive’s upgrades will be in full effect.
“A lot of exciting things have happened during my time at MacsLive, but this takes the cake,” MacsLive President David Schwartzman (SSSB ‘21) told The Commentator. “This project doesn’t just take us to the next level, but it now makes our broadcast capabilities far superior to any other broadcast in division three basketball… I can’t wait for these new changes to not only help our MacsLive staff have a more enjoyable time producing our broadcasts, but also look forward to all of the viewers seeing what we have in store.”
MacsLive Technical Manager Justin Safier (SSSB ‘19) thought of and designed the project to secure funding, and Executive Producer Akiva Poppers (SSSB ‘22) led the initiative. Alumni Lance Hirt (YC ‘87), Lior Hod (YC ‘88) and Mordy Leifer (YC ‘89) collectively contributed $35,000 dedicated to former Coach Jonathan Halpert, while Vice Provost for Student Affairs Chaim Nissel collected $7,000 from Neal’s Fund, in memory of Neal Dublinsky, and the Office of Admissions — which collaborates with MacsLive for the annual Red Sarachek Memorial Basketball Tournament — donated $5,000.
Some students on athletic teams were excited about MacsLive’s developments. “It’s awesome and exciting,” commented Gabe Leifer (SSSB ‘22), captain of the men’s basketball team. “It’s something that the broadcasting team has been trying to put together for a long time and it’ll be awesome for people who can’t make it to games.”
As The Commentator previously reported, Director of Athletics and Recreation Joe Bednarsh emailed students on July 9 regarding the expected 2020-21 seasons for YU’s athletic teams. Regarding impending government restrictions and rising cases, infection rates and deaths of COVID-19 across New York City, Bednarsh said, “In terms of the seasons, right now we are planning on continuing to practice and we’re preparing to start competition in January.”
“We have been closely following the COVID trends and numbers and are in constant contact with YU’s Medical director, the Skyline Conference, and closely following the State and NCAA’s guidance for return to play decisions,” Bednarsh said. “The health and safety of the student-athletes is our primary concern and the lens through which we view all of our activities. If at any point there is a concern about our student-athletes welfare we will pause or discontinue seasons as appropriate. We remain optimistic that we can provide full and robust seasons for all our student-athletes.”
Photo Caption: MacsLive at the 2019 Red Sarachek Memorial Basketball Tournament
Photo Credit: MacsLive
