Commentators Bring the Game to the Fans

With fans not allowed to cheer in-person for their Mustangs on the court and on the ice, Adam Beck ’22, Charlie Kaye ’23, and JD Whiting ’23 have managed to enhance the streaming experience through in-game color commentary. Drawing on their love of sport, love of commentating, and their desire to spread the word to their fellow fans, the trio debuted at the boys varsity hockey home opener against Trinity-Pawling and have quickly become required gameday listening.

From an elevated platform at center ice, Adam, Charlie, and JD paint a word picture to enhance the video from the iPad used to stream games at Bontecou Rink. From the gym, the broadcast team will marry their audio to the video feed from an automated camera before streaming the game through Millbrook’s Youtube channel. 

Adam is a fan of commentators Tony Romo, Steve Goldstein, Randy Moller, Eric Reid, and Al Michaels. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” said Adam, “and then when Charlie and JD told me they wanted to start too it seemed like a no-brainer.” Sports offer an escape from the everyday for Adam: “commentating for me is almost like a getaway from the stresses from school or friends, as you’ve got to focus on the action and it’s really fun too.”

Charlie, a Washington DC resident, has been a longtime fan of Caps broadcaster Joe Beninati and enjoys the challenge of spinning a game story in the moment. A member of Millbrook’s junior varsity hockey squad, JD uses his own experience on the ice to transport fans to the arena and “thought it would make the live streams more enjoyable for the viewers.”
 
The boys hope to continue to provide play-by-play coverage for other Mustang teams as the more competitive matchups are added to the calendar. By bringing the game to supporters at a time when fans can’t attend in person, they are doing a great service and honing their skills as broadcasters, public speakers, and quick thinkers.