Fitchburg High gets big assist from FATV
With no fans at games, home contests will be broadcast locally
FITCHBURG » Supporting student-athletes is such a big factor in the overall high school experience.
Parents and guardians are there to help their loved ones and give them that much-needed encouragement from the stands during athletic contests.
But with COVID-19 still a major concern in the community and in the country, the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association handed down sport-specific modifications to winter sports, while athletic directors voted to institute a no-fan policy at sporting events due to safety concerns.
In Fitchburg, that means no fans to watch girls’ and boys’ basketball at the Doug Grutchfield Field House, or no spectators at the Wallace Civic Center to watch the Fitchburg/Monty Tech co-op ice hockey team.
Certainly, it’s tough for any parent/guardian to not be able to watch their high school athletes play from the comforts of the gymnasium or rink, especially for any senior student-athlete. But in order to help stop the spread of COVID-19, it’s a must in Fitchburg.
But that’s where Fitchburg Access Television has stepped in to save the day on Fitchburg’s winter athletic seasons.
FATV Executive Director Nate Glenny and his hard
working staff and volunteers are making sure to bring enjoyment directly to the parents and guardians who want to see their athletes compete. While the fans won’t be allowed access into these sporting events, they will, however, be able to watch their favorite athletes on their phone, computer or television, as FATV has committed to cover these home sporting events all throughout the winter.
It’s all about community, and it’s why FATV is so passionate and driven to provide meaningful athletic content to those who crave it, especially with fans not allowed into any venue this season.
“This is a challenging time for many families, and not being able to attend these games in person is a harsh reality,” Glenny said. “FATV is honored to provide live coverage of all home games
played for both boys and girls basketball, as well as hockey. To know that watching our studentathletes are only a click away is something we are proud to offer to our community and hope it brings some relief to parents and fans alike.”
FATV will be live from the Wallace Civic Center on Wednesday night, as the Red Raiders face off against area foe Lunenburg/AyerShirley in the ice hockey opener. The puck drops at 3:30 p.m. The boys’ and girls’ basketball teams for Fitchburg open on January 11, with the girls hosting Oakmont Regional (JV 4 p.m., varsity 6 p.m.), while the boys travel to Oakmont.
The process will be as easy as can be for anyone that wants to watch the Red Raiders compete, either live on FATV’s Cable Channels (Comcast Ch. 9, Verizon Ch. 36), streaming at live.fatv.org/education, or found the following day under the On-Demand section at www.fatv.org.
“FATV has always prided itself on producing quality community
programming and this high school winter sports season will be no different,” Glenny said. “Each telecast is covered with high-definition broadcast video equipment to capture all the action. Our robust graphics system allows for us to incorporate a direct data feed from the official scoreboard, so it’s no surprise when the final seconds are happening during competition.
“If someone is unable to watch the games live or wants to watch them again, FATV‘s website will host all games to be seen at your convenience. In the coming weeks, in an effort to expand upon its offerings, FATV will debut its programming on the convenient streaming apps of Roku, Apple TV and Fire Stick. The best way to know when this new service is available, as well as other FATV happenings, is to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.”
It’s a win-win for the students, teams and their parents/guardians, says Fitchburg Athletic Di
rector Craig Antocci.
“Over the course of the last two years the relationship between the athletic department and FATV has blossomed into valuable public good for the City of Fitchburg,” Antocci said. “Nathan Glenny and his staff have been true professionals in producing student-focused content for our community. They have shown a spotlight on our student athletes that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. The FATV staff deserves more accolades than I am capable of giving, and on behalf of the Fitchburg Public Schools I am grateful that they continue to over deliver on any professional idea that is given to them.”
FATV is always looking for volunteers to assist with sports productions, as well as for citizens interested in creating their own show. The staff is available and willing to teach individuals on how to use FATV’s equipment. Call FATV at (978) 343- 0834 or email us at contact@fatv.org for more information.