By Blake Colston
Sports Editor
As Piedmont’s athletic department continues its transition to Class 6A, increasing exposure across various multimedia platforms remains a key focus for the school.
That got a big boost this week when Norman-based media company and radio station KREF announced it was adding Piedmont to its online streaming coverage at krefsports.tv.
“”As we continue to grow, we want as many things streamed as possible to allow our student athletes to showcase their skills,” Piedmont assistant athletic director Matt Shellenberger said. “We feel like KREF is the flagship of high school sports coverage moving forward.”
We are very excited to announce starting in the fall https://t.co/RswNZLCEmj will be the streaming provider for all Piedmont Athletic events.
We will have Football, Volleyball, Fast Pitch, Basketball, Wrestling, Softball, Baseball, Soccer plus weekly shows. #okpreps pic.twitter.com/83JAj12OKo
— KREFSportsTV (@KREFsportsTV) March 28, 2023
Beginning this fall, KREF will broadcast PHS football, volleyball, fast pitch softball, basketball, wrestling, baseball, soccer and will produce and broadcast weekly coaches shows.
“Student-athletes want to have as many eyes on them as possible when they play,” Shellenberger said. “The more media coverage we’re able to provide them, the better.”
HUGE!!!! https://t.co/pnFrxCMTTo
— Toby Rowland (@TRowOU) March 28, 2023
KREF will provide its own on-air talent for game coverage and weekly shows. Live and on-demand viewing is available at no cost to viewers, and audio will also be streamed on the station’s app.
The partnership between Piedmont and KREF will operate on a year-to-year basis. The school will keep 40% of any profit generated from the broadcasts after the initial investment required to purchase the necessary equipment is satisfied, athletic director Matt Bilyeu said.
Krefsportstv.com currently hosts streams for games across the Oklahoma City metro area including Westmoore, Moore, Southmoore, Norman, Norman North, Deer Creek, Edmond North, Edmond Memorial and Edmond Santa Fe.
PHS had previously contracted with Skordle to stream various athletic events.
The deal with KREF coincides with Piedmont’s move to the Central Oklahoma Athletic Conference. PHS will begin competing in the COAC during the 2023-24 athletic year.
