Alumnus-Turned-Professional-Cameraman Offers Advice to PCCTC Video Production Students

On Friday, September 14th, the Video Production class welcomed Tom Kozrowski to speak to their class. Tom, a 1999 graduate of Valparaiso High School, is a freelance sports videographer that covers college and pro football, runs handheld camera for the Kentucky Derby on NBC, and currently shoots handheld camera on the sidelines for the Marshall University football games airing on Comcast Sports South.

During class, Tom talked about his job as a sports camera operator, his time spent covering Hurricane Isaac for Fox News, and the important skill of networking and making sure you leave a positive impression on those you work with.

Later that evening, at Viking Field, Tom spoke with the Video Production students that operate the Valpo High School video display board and offered advice to make their production easier and more entertaining. Precious Pabon, a senior at Hebron High School, says, "He explained some simple changes to make that helped me get more creative shots, like holding the camera different". Tom showed the student 'grips' (the crew members that handle the cable for the handheld camera operator) how to quickly wrap and unwrap their cable while staying out of everyone's way and minimizing tangles. After the game, Tom participated in the post-production meeting and said "You guys were so great I'd put you on my crew any day!"

The students were very grateful to have Tom share his experiences and give advice they can use to be successful in the competitive business of sports broadcasting.


Precious Pabon (Hebron), Mitch Paxton (VHS), Maggie Lindeman (Hebron), Tom Kozrowski


Precious Pabon (Hebron)


Alyssa CeCheske (Hebron HS)


Tom Kozrowski, Kara Barney (CHS), Bill Guinee, Megan Leetz (CHS), Alyssa DeCheske (Hebron), Maggie Lindeman (Hebron)


Bill Guinee, Bob Phelps, Anna Hanson (VHS), Megan Leetz (CHS)