After spending 104 total hours following the 2006 Varsity football team’s state run, It was clear to faculty and students that the Caravan Broadcast Network, under the leadership of Mr. Mike Himes, was here to stay.

Beginning as an after school club with five members, one camera and computer, CBN has evolved into a year round class with close to 20 members who employ many different types of technology. In doing so, CBN has greatly impacted everyone in the school community.

CBN gives the  people who are unable to attend the games an opportunity to watch it on their computer or mobile device. In the semi-final football game against Homewood Flossmoor in 2010, 10,000 viewers logged on to enjoy the Caravan victory, a record number.

Often the football team goes on a road trip and has to play a game. This year they traveled to Belleville West High School, located five hours away, and last year to Edwardsville, four hours away. CBN was at both of these games streaming the games for the people back home. If it wasn’t for the CBN staff standing out in the cold and going on these long trips, the majority of the people would not be able to watch these road games.

“We want to allow those kids who aren’t involved in a certain athletic team an opportunity to experience  the rivalries with other teams,” states Himes. “More importantly we want to make sure that we exposing Mount Carmel.”

Although CBN is known for its live streaming of the games, the staff put in a lot of hard work in other areas as well. Whether it’s marketing, highlight videos, school events, MC minutes, and anything exposing Mount Carmel to the public, CBN often has to do with the success of these tasks.

Despite its success, CBN is constantly trying to upgrade to new and improved things. “If we can find new technology to find a way to help the live feed then we would certainly do so.  I can even see us using a drone in years to come,” explains Himes.

Among the students who are heavily involved with CBN this year are Bailey Egan, Mike and Rudy Melchiorre, and Pat Sage. Three of these key staff members are seniors, so for the years to come, new students will be talking over for these men.

After broadcasting another successful football season, the CBN team now will get ready to follow the 2014 varsity basketball team.