April 2, 2015
By Maria Canales, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State men's lacrosse program welcomed the Big Ten Network this week during practices to do filming for an upcoming feature on the network. The feature will focus on both sides of the Penn State-Maryland matchup this weekend in College Park.
Often known for outstanding cinematography, Big Ten Network features garner local and national attention, which will help Penn State lacrosse reach audiences previously unavailable. Due to its demonstrated prowess in the field of sports coverage, the Big Ten Network has helped push audiences on the sport of lacrosse by broadcasting games throughout the season.
Penn State was approached by the Big Ten Network to cover the week leading up to the much-anticipated Maryland game because of the rivalry between the two Universities. The episode will feature both teams as they prepare to face one another, as well as game content and coverage.
"It was a surprise but it was very exciting at the same time," said senior JP Burnside. "We're all very excited and people out there who can tune into Big Ten will get to take an inside look at our program which is awesome exposure."
The cameras will not only be filming during practices, but also around campus and during the players' downtime during the week. From following a player to class, to visiting their homes at school, this episode will give audiences a look at what it means to be a Penn State Lacrosse player off the field, as well as the motions they go through in daily practices and film sessions.
As with any new entity being introduced to a close-knit team, the cameras made their presence known during the first practice with the team.
"The first time [the camera crew] walked in some of the guys were looking over there," said Burnside. "You know we just got to try to make sure we eliminate all distractions and that's one of them so I think guys are getting used to it now."
Head coach Jeff Tambroni welcomed the opportunity to let audiences know more about his program and his players. Tambroni loved the idea of the exposure the program would get, especially in regards to possible recruits in the future.
"It's pretty neat to be one of two programs included in this. I think it'll do a lot for the sport," said Tambroni. "Even just having games on [the Big Ten Network] during the weekends means a lot. But I think this gives recruits a true insight into Penn State Lacrosse."
Many fans and community members know Penn State lacrosse for their performances on the field, but most don't know the hard work put in on non-game days. Since this is the first time the Big Ten Network will produce a feature show on lacrosse, audiences will be introduced to a world previously unchartered on such a large scale.
"I think what this will do will give people on the outside and inside perspective into maybe how much these guys work or the kind of stuff that they do to prepare for these games before we walk onto that field on Saturday," said Tambroni. "At the very least this will give Penn State Lacrosse a bit of much-needed exposure in its hundred year history."
Although the goals for this weekend's game are similar to those of all games, to win, the Nittany Lions will face arguably their toughest opponent yet. No. 3 ranked Maryland, a powerhouse in the sport of lacrosse, is eager to bring a rivalry between the two Universities. Due to the two schools being so close, and having a history of playing one another before the Big Ten was created, Penn State and Maryland are no strangers to such rivalry.
This weekend will prove a tough road match for the Nittany Lions as they take on their highest-ranked opponent yet.
"It's now a huge Big Ten rivalry, I know our team is excited and our coaches are excited so I just can't wait to play," said Burnside.
Penn State will face Maryland this Saturday in College Park at 3 p.m.