Check out the new Clarkston Sports Programming Network at CSPN.TV for the latest in Clarkston sports.
Spearheaded by videographer Al Partington, the ClarkstonTV.com offshoot features sporting events from Clarkston High School, Everest Academy, and local schools, clubs, and organizations.
“We came up with the idea for it to help parents serving overseas in Iraq, so they can watch their kids’ games,” Partington said. “Now anyone can watch the games at home if you can’t get to them.”
The idea is to recruit volunteers from the community to operate CSPN cameras to record sporting events of all sorts, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, lacrosse, tennis, bowling, archery, and cheerleading at all levels, with commentary and interviews of coaches and players.
“Sports are fantastic. They help rally the community against our cross town rivals,” said Tom Lowrie, owner of Lowrie’s Landscape. “What sports does for a community is it helps build community.”
“Sports means a lot,” said Carol Evans, owner of Smith’s Disposal. “It’s a great activity for children. It keeps them involved in the community and out of trouble.”
They teach many life lessons, Lowrie said.
“There’s going to be a winner and a loser, and it’s OK to lose,” he said. “People fail every day. It’s OK to fail, as long as you learn from it.”
The website lists sponsors but no ads. The sponsors, who are also listed on CSPN T-shirts, include Leo’s Coney Island, Gregg’s Gourmet, Michigan Center For Orthopedic Surgery, Coach’s Corner, Royal Diner, Smith’s Disposal, Bowman Chevrolet, Guido’s Pizza, Lowrie’s Landscape, and The Clarkston News. CSPN.TV features current coverage of lacrosse, soccer, baseball, softball, and other spring sports, and replays of football, basketball and other sports.