The new scoreboard in Brockman Gym will display much more than the score. [Photos by Jacie Hinton with The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program]

***Jacie Hinton is a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.

The Kewanee Athletic Program has always been a key feature of Kewanee High School’s history. Year after year, people who attend the games or matches view the triumphs of the Boilermakers. 

Now, watching the Boilers’ success will be not only exciting but larger than life thanks to a new, state-of-the art scoreboard installed in Brockman Gym. 

Players were photographed for the scoreboard in front of a green background.

Athletic Director Tim Atwell believes this new addition to KHS will bring many new opportunities.

“We’re going to plan on promoting all the athletes who come to play in the gym. It’s going to make it a more enjoyable game experience and that should help the atmosphere,” Atwell said. 

Fellow KHS teacher Marcus Throneburg is a major contributor to the new video board as the master behind most of the board’s upcoming graphics. 

One team is lined up for a team photo while in the foreground another team waits their turn.

“We’re going to create some unique graphics that show their personalities and who they are off the floor,” Throneburg said.

 To make these graphics possible, athletes flooded the gym during KHS’s winter media day on Friday, Nov. 22. Upperclassmen know this day well, but this year’s version came with a twist. Green screens were set up for the athletes to showcase their personalities. Athletes are excited to see themselves larger than life on the big screen soon.

“Everybody coming into Brockman for any sporting event will be able to use it,” KHS senior wrestler Ben Taylor said.

Fellow senior and basketball player Colson Welgat shared a similar enthusiasm for the new scoreboard.

“The excitement the scoreboard will bring for fans and players alike will be amazing,” Welgat said.

The board won’t just be used for games. It will also enhance the educational experience at KHS. 

Throneburg explained that KHS will add a course on making content for the video board and learning about graphic design, which will be necessary for the new scoreboard. Students are already excited about this new opportunity.

“I’m excited for all people involved in the media and photography to be able to showcase their skills and arts,” senior girls basketball player Stardeja Jordan said.

Throneburg concluded by explaining how the scoreboard will support KHS’s clubs and organizations, which thrilled Gray Matters advisor and junior English teacher Katie Streicher.

“We’re excited to have this new addition to the school in order to not only promote our club, but to also bring awareness about Mental Health to our community,” Streicher said.

To Kewanee’s students, this scoreboard is proof that the district values its students and wants them to feel seen and celebrated.

“The administration really cares about the athletics that go on in the school. This scoreboard will benefit everyone in the school,” senior girls basketball player Mya Dearing said.