Methodist University Interns on Hi-Tech Path

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 19, 2007
MARIA SIKORYAK-ROBINS
DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS

Ashleigh Sutton and Stacey Vaugh, sophomores in the Sport Management program at Methodist University, "tagging" at a FireAntz Hockey game at Crown Coliseum.

FAYETTEVILLE, NC—Methodist University is pioneering a comprehensive program of training, technology, and work experience in sport video analysis. In January of 2007, MU Sport Management students started signing up for a local internship with Hall of Fame Productions to learn how to use the Dartfish sport video analysis program—the same technology used by over 90% of the Olympic Teams and professional teams throughout the United States.

Dartfish-trained students will work with coaches and managers throughout the region, filming and tagging games and meets for pre- and post-game analysis. The Dartfish student experts will work with teams during practice, capture athletes in action for drill and skill analysis and personalized coaching, and acquire immediate visual feedback.

The driving force behind this program is Greg Combs, B.S., M.A., Ed.D., assistant professor, director of the Sport Management Program at Methodist University, and president of Hall of Fame Productions. He has been involved in coaching and working in the sport industry for nearly 25 years and he was an Olympic Hopeful for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Dr. Combs notes that “seeing is believing” when it comes to getting through to athletes.

“MU Sport Management students have been using the ‘Tagging’ feature at local Fire Antz Hockey games and local high school and university events,” said Dr. Combs. “We are looking forward to using this special method of video statistics for the upcoming Fayetteville Guard events as well. My goal is to have a core of Dartfish student experts that I can call on for any athletic activity in the region.” said Dr. Combs.

Methodist University is Fayetteville’s only independent, four-year institution of higher education. The University enrolls 2,147 students from 41 states and 30 countries. For more information, please contact Dr. Combs at (910) 630-7660.