As the new school year begins, bringing new teams, stronger bonds and impressive displays of school spirit, a dedicated group of students known as ‘Six Legs’ is redefining what it means to be part of the game. This local high school production team isn’t just filming touchdowns or capturing the cheerleaders’ stunts; they’re weaving the fabric of the game-day experience for fans both in the stadium and at home. But behind their success is a story of mentorship, community and collaboration, one that started two years ago between Conway High School and Conway Corp.
Conway Corp, the local utility company with a rich history of serving the community, has always been more than just a provider of electricity and water. Conway Corp is a pillar in the community, deeply invested in the education and future of Conway’s youth. Conway Corp’s studio production team has also been broadcasting and announcing Conway football and graduations on Conway Corp’s Channel 5 Sports for more than 20 years. So, when the opportunity arose to guide the high school’s budding production team, they jumped at the chance.
Conway Corp began collaborating with Brandy Langford, the Conway Career Center Teacher, when the Six Leg Productions Media class was established in August 2022. The Six Legs team (named after Conway’s six-legged mascot – the wampus cat) was full of passion but short on experience. Enter Conway Corp’s studio production and broadcast team, a diverse crew of seasoned professionals who had seen it all in the world of local broadcasting.
“It really was a no brainer,” Video Production and Local Programming Manager Jeff Matthews said. “We’ve always been present in the schools and we already had a relationship established. When the video production and media class was formed in 2022, we were happy to help.”
Over the past two years, Conway Corp has assisted in recommending equipment for a grant application by the high school class to purchase video gear. Conway Corp also provided guidance on best practices for live event video production, particularly for sports content displayed on stadium and arena screens, and even the subtle art of storytelling.
With each game, the Six Leg class grew more confident. Conway Corp recently used the Six Legs camera shots in the Channel 5 Sports basketball game broadcasts. It was a testament to how far the students had come — no longer just students, but contributors whose work was being showcased to the entire community.
The collaboration between Conway Corp and Six Leg didn’t just stop there. Conway Corp recently hired three former Six Leg students as camera operators to complete the Conway Corp crew. As they transition from high school to professional life, they do so with the full support of the community that watched them grow.
Having been mentored when he was younger, Matthews is proud to now give back by mentoring these young people.
“When I first started in my career, I had professionals in my life who gave me opportunities to learn the industry,” he said. “I am so proud that we have the ability at Conway Corp to pass those same opportunities to the next generation.”
One of the new camera operators described the opportunity as a blessing.
“I am so excited to see what I can bring to the Conway Corp team,” Aidan Eslinger said. “I really enjoyed the Six Leg class, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to learn while being able to contribute as a professional. I am excited for what is to come.”
As the new football season kicks off, the next Six Leg class will once again be at the helm, with new members eager to learn and contribute. But now, with alumni in their midst, they will work with the Conway Corp team, ensuring that the partnership continues to thrive. Six Leg is more than just a tale of students finding their footing; it’s about the power of community, mentorship, and the belief that with the right guidance, even the youngest among us can achieve greatness.
This season, as the cameras roll and the lights shine brightly on the field, it’s not just the players who are making their mark. It’s the students in the stands, behind the cameras, and in the control room, crafting the game-day experience, one frame at a time.
