Drumheller’s own Mack Cassidy was presented the Rob and Grace Zittlau Media Award from Football Alberta.
This is the third year for the award, and it was created to recognize people on the technical side of sports, be they local media reporting on amateur football or individuals who work on the electronic side of sports.
Cassidy was nominated by Coach Ken Fournier. He notes that Cassidy has been travelling with the team for two years doing game film. Additionally, he has been a sideline photographer and videographer for the team.
“The photos Mack has done for us have been a great part of our players, parents, friends and family to experience what football is about, capturing key moments and being able to share has so many benefits. For us in a small community and with social media it’s been a big part of our team building excitement within the community,” said Fournier.
“For example, a player that’s new and not sure if football is for them gets a picture shared and commented on by a family member can make the difference for them to feel part of the team. And for our international students being able to share these at a distance has also had an impact for their families. And even new players, we had an exchange student come here because he saw pictures in a presentation from a former player who was part of our team and wanted to come here because he also wanted to experience this.”
On top of game film, he has worked hard promoting the team using his audio, video and photographic skills.
“This season he really ramped it up with short clips and highlight/pump-up videos he made for every week of the season that he could. Everywhere I went our team was getting compliments on these. There is so much work that goes into these and is so important to the growth of the sport not to mention the impact it has had on the memories these players will cherish down the road.”
His work has also helped players with recruiting.
“For his going above and beyond in the support and promotion of the high school team in Drumheller, Football Alberta presented the Rob and Grace Zittlau Media Award to Mack Cassidy.”
