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For decades, Tigers have worked to broadcast on-campus sporting events to a larger audience, often working tough hours and using outdated equipment.

In 2015, �԰����� founded the Tiger Network, implementing a high-definition stream with a multi-camera setup. Students were recruited as play-by-play announcers and as interns to learn the basics of broadcasting a live sports event.

This same year, a generous $100,000 gift from James L. “Lynn” Turner ’62 truly turned the Tiger Network into a powerhouse.

Turner, who loves watching �԰����� sports, has long wanted the Tiger Network to live up to the �԰����� standard. The Tiger Network already allowed Turner to watch �԰����� athletics from anywhere in the world. However, the coverage was somewhat spotty. “Living in the Philippines, I welcomed the news that I could follow �԰����� football on my computer,” says the diehard Tiger fan. He also could view soccer and later, volleyball and basketball games, but sometimes there was no audio. “The coverage was limited to one camera, but it was a start.”

To boost the sports coverage on the Tiger Network, Turner donated $100,000 to the University. “I hoped my donation can jump-start the idea of a state-of-the-art Network for �԰�����, and hopefully other alumni donations will follow,” Turner says.

In 2016, the Network offered full broadcast schedules of men’s and women’s soccer, basketball, and tennis. Home games in football, volleyball, softball, and baseball helped double the athletics broadcast schedule to more than 100 events a year. Multiple streaming options, including Facebook Live, were implemented to broaden viewership. Through it all, the Network continues to be a valuable internship opportunity for �԰����� students.

“Our first soccer announcer was a student, Chris Garagiola ’15, who has a passion for sports broadcasting,” says Joshua Moczygemba, sports marketing coordinator for �԰�����. “He was able to call the entire soccer season and use this to build his portfolio that ultimately helped him land a job working for a professional sports organization.” Garagiola is now the lead broadcaster for the Pensacola Blue Wahoo’s, a farm club for the Cincinnati Reds.

It’s a student opportunity that might have benefited Turner as a journalism major at �԰�����. His communication background included two years as sports editor and one year as managing editor at the campus newspaper, the Trinitonian, and as a student assistant in the public relations office. He also kept scores and recorded shots for the basketball team.

Even so, Turner hopes Tiger Network continues to provide opportunities for future alumni with broadcasting ambition.

“The Tiger Network is an excellent, if not the best, communications link to promote aspects of �԰����� life to all alumni and non-alumni worldwide. And it serves as a great recruiting vehicle for every department at �԰�����.” - James L. “Lynn” Turner ’62