The student-led crew’s victory reflects years of growth, technical excellence, and a shared commitment to capturing high-level collegiate broadcasts.
Elon Sports Vision’s first College Sports Media Award wasn’t a matter of luck – it was preparation meeting the perfect play.
That’s exactly what happened during Elon’s football matchup last fall against the University of New Hampshire, when a potential fumble turned into a dramatic replay review, a moment that showcased the student crew’s storytelling and technical skills. The game – one of more than 130 broadcasts produced by Elon Sports Vision during the 2024–25 academic year – earned the top honor in the Outstanding Live Game Production – Collegiate Student Championship category at the 2025 SVG College Sports Media Awards.
Presented by the Sports Video Group (SVG) in association with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), the national awards ceremony took place May 28 in Atlanta.
“Winning an SVG award is extremely difficult,” said Ben Ohlmeyer ’25, who directed the broadcast. “A successful submission requires two things: an exciting moment and excellent coverage. Since you never know when that exciting moment will come, we as a crew must always be on our A game to capture that moment whenever it appears.”
Ohlmeyer said his Elon Sports Vision crew encountered an ideal broadcast scenario: a potential fumble followed by a thrilling “Big Man Return.” When the play was sent to review, with the quarterback’s arm motion in question, the crew capitalized on the moment to demonstrate their replay sequencing abilities. Coordinating closely, the camera team, replay operators, and technical director pulled off a seamless close-up of the quarterback’s arm – what Ohlmeyer called one of the broadcast’s strongest sequences.
While the sequence was technically impressive, Patrick Cunningham, director of live broadcast production, praised the students for also spotlighting Jake Louro – the hero of the play – and capturing his raw excitement.
“It was a textbook example of how our crew elevates a live moment into something truly memorable,” he said.
Philip Doherty ’26, who served as the broadcast’s technical director, noted the excellence of the moment was all the more impressive considering the broadcast team was short-staffed due to the university’s fall break.
This year’s victory follows several years of SVG nominations and close calls. ESV also earned a finalist spot this year in the Outstanding Live Non-Game Production – Collegiate Student Championship category.
“This win means the world to our entire ESV team,” Ohlmeyer said. “For the last four years, we’ve submitted our best work to SVG and have been finalists. Each year we lost it motivated everyone to give their best and improve in any way possible. We targeted this award from day one in August and to finally bring it home makes every early morning and late night worth it.”
Now in its 17th year, the SVG College Sports Media Awards honor excellence in sports broadcasting and creative content at the collegiate level. Elon’s victory marks a major milestone for the university, and Cunningham believes it firmly places the program in the national conversation.
“We’re the newer faces in the industry when it comes to high-level collegiate broadcasts, and a win like this shows that we’re not just keeping up – we’re leading in some areas,” he said. “It validates the long hours, the creativity, and the commitment our students and staff pour into every game. For a program that’s still growing and defining its identity, this award is proof that we belong.”
Ohlmeyer praised the student team’s dedication, noting that producing over 130 live broadcasts required more than good planning. It took a group willing to sacrifice evenings and weekends to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Some days saw the crew juggling up to three simultaneous productions – a feat made possible by strong support from Elon Athletics, the School of Communications, and the university’s IT staff. Central to the program’s success was the culture fostered by Cunningham and Annika Cronin, ESV’s coordinating producer, who cultivated an environment rooted in mutual respect, camaraderie, passion and work ethic.
Reflecting on his time with ESV, Ohlmeyer said, “Over the last four years, I’ve had the privilege of working with the most dedicated and driven students on campus. I’ve watched students go from beginners to leaders who are always willing to take the new members under their wing. Thanks to their leadership, our new members are constantly improving, learning and preparing for the next big moment.”
To see the full list of winners, visit SVG’s website.
Student Broadcasting Crew – Elon vs. UNH Football Game
Ben Ohlmeyer – Director
Ella Smith – Graphics
Nate Romano – Replay 1
Anthony Eppolito – Replay 2
Hyemin Im – Shading
Philip Doherty – Technical Director
Joe Marinello – Utility
Kade Maiden – Utility
Grace Mills – Audio
Cristina Madaio – Bug Operator
Richard Kleckner – Cam 1
Anthony Bamford – Cam 2
Scott Katz – Cam 3
Annie Thyfault – Cam 4
Harry Haber – Cam 5
Jack Gill – Cam 5