Frederick High School’s very own Golden Eagle Broadcasting Network, nicknamed GEBN for short, is inviting us into a slice of their procedure to stardom. After securing two state titles in the past three years, and an impressive second place in between the titles, GEBN is looking for their third this year.

While it may look simple to announce and produce this content, what exactly does it all look like on a more complex scale?

I had the pleasure of speaking with a few of the highly esteemed members of this class, and although I already had insight, I’m here to elaborate for those who are genuinely interested in learning about this.

The class’s everyday procedure is unlike that of a normal class—assignments sprinkled into study time designated to learn team chemistry and maneuvers, and multiple classes where research can occur for hours at a time. Writing introductions for getting on the air, learning playbooks and rosters, and meeting respected and well known faces of broadcasting are only a few of the many benefits to joining this class.

The in class time is just a snippet into what the classmates accomplish—and they have the brawn behind it too. Not only do these students spend countless hours after and before school to extend their given knowledge about the technology and players themselves, but it requires a full dedication unlike any other class that these students are willing to sacrifice for peers and parents to enjoy an experience.

Weathering the Conditions

Sometimes, this sacrifice is as seemingly simple as barely getting to experience the claustrophobic and crazy nature of the rowdy crowd—but for GEBN, these sacrifices can range anywhere from this simple task, to risking the wellbeing of fingers and toes. Although there’s always a warning with cold games, sometimes the unexpected is to be expected. GEBN has spent countless broadcasts burdened by snow, rain, and blistering heat.

Rarely has it prevented GEBN’s perseverance—and if it did prevent the broadcast from occurring, they found a way to apologize and make amends with their viewers.

Just a few weeks prior, during a traveling football broadcast, the team had to attempt to make ends meet when they were unable to find a power outlet anywhere in the bleachers. Rain was pounding in sheets, and the team was aimlessly wandering around, trying to find any source of power.

While although they didn’t find one in the bleachers or even near the stands, they nestled their setup under the canopy of the local bathrooms. It wasn’t the coziest spot, nor the most practical, but cancelling it was never even in question—GEBN was going to accomplish this game, no matter what it would take.

This past week, while visiting Five Star Stadium for a traveling football broadcast, the lack of outlets continued to be an adversity to overcome. GEBN settled onto the track this time, snaking extension cords to avoid peoples walkways and provide the best camera angle possible. This is just one of many demonstrations to show that GEBN is a credible source and trustworthy household name amongst the Frederick High School community.

Meaning Behind the Motto

Putting weather aside, the class itself is an exhibition of what their motto “Student led, student centered, student serving,” truly means. GEBN allow students to take initiative during class, develop a plethora of skillsets that can be used throughout their lives, and learn professionalism at a young age.

The acts of initiation even extend beyond the walls of the classroom, and into the personal lives of the students involved in the course.

I was able to speak to the technical producer, Marcus Key (sophomore), who is entering his second year enrolled in the program. He mentioned to me how, “GEBN has taught me so much–thinking on the fly, problem solving, you name it. The best part overall is, that I still have two years left to grow and adapt to fit the program for Frederick fans, or whoever feels the need to tune in.” Marcus is extremely confident and excited about the upcoming chapter for GEBN, and the doors it will open for the program as a whole.

The Man Behind the Motto

But while new doors are being unlocked, old ones are being shut for good. Especially given as GEBN’s advisor, Jacob Marsing, is leaving end of this current season. Marsing has been the head facilitator of GEBN as a whole, and has been the cherished advisor of the program since it started. Marsing hand crafted the course to fit what he wanted within students lives–a possible career path that explored options galore for students.

But he made it more than just a course–it was a family in his eyes. Marsings’ mentality of a family carried over each year, and only doubled in scale and meaning. GEBN nowadays, is known as an extremely tight knit community, fostering positivity and encouragement with the message that everybody has a place. Every year, the entire team huddles together and snaps a family like photo that hangs decoratively over by the growing collection of awards.

The successes of GEBN are all thanks to Jacob Marsing–the broadcasting expert who spent his own fair share of time covering the Denver Nuggets, Denver Broncos, Colorado Buffaloes, and Arkansas Razorbacks. Without his knowledge and willingness to devote his all to this program, GEBN would be unknown amongst the community. Although he will be leaving the program, he will continue to teach at Frederick High School, and his correlation to how fruitful and prominent GEBN is, will remain to put a constant grin on his face.