A casual observer happening upon Viking football practice might think that dreaded swarm of killer bees rumored to be heading north from South America has finally arrived at Stott Community Field. Such is the hum and buzz that surrounds practice from seemingly everywhere and nowhere.

But, a glance skyward will assuage any fears of being stung or swarmed. The sound comes from a pair of drones over the field that have been employed by Head Coach Bruce Barnum to shoot video of practice. The drones are a change from the traditional hand-held cameras mounted on cherry-picker lifts on the sideline and end zone that come standard with any college football practice.

Sometimes the drones hover aloft in the traditional sideline/end zone formation. Sometimes they are set high and low from the end zone. Often, they move around to different drills at a range of 20 to 60 feet above the field. Most important, they provide the angles the coaches need when evaluating the video from each football practice.

Videographers Joey Hashimoto and Tyler Harman have gotten the drones up and running quickly in the first week of practice and the coaches really like what they see. Hashimoto and Harman use simple handheld controllers and can view the live video angle and framing on their iphones while standing on the sidelines or next to the coaches.

"I like the NFL blimp view for my purposes," said Head Coach Bruce Barnum. "The other coaches like a little lower angle behind the play so they can see things like footwork."

One thing is certain - it is much easier to adjust angles, views and elevation than the tradition sideline and end zone look. The videographers can also move from drill to drill and get closer to the action.

The only drawback is battery life on the drones lasts 15-20 minutes. So throughout practice Hashimoto and Harman have to change out from a stash of available batteries and recharge those that are spent.

Tight Ends Coach AC Patterson is thrilled with the results, noting the video is even better HD quality than what they had been getting before.

And there may be a hidden advantage to the new angles and closer proximity.

"When the players watch it, it reminds them of playing (the video game) Madden NFL. They may actually process what they see even better," said Patterson. "I guess we are just relating to the millennials."

PORTLAND STATE FOOTBALL TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets to all Vikings Football Games are on sale now! Fans can purchase a variety of options including, Seasons Tickets, Mini-Plans, and Single Games. For more information and to purchase visit GoViks.com/Tickets or call us at 1.888.VIK.TIKS (1.888.845.8457).

THIS WEEK'S EDITION OF VIKING FOOTBALL WITH BRUCE BARNUM

UPCOMING PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Fri, Aug. 10 7:30-10 a.m.
Sat, Aug. 11 7:30-10 a.m.
Sun, Aug. 12 Off Day
Mon, Aug. 13 7:30-10 a.m.
Tues, Aug. 14 7:30-10 a.m. (Scrimmage)
Wed, Aug. 15 7:30-10 a.m.
Thurs, Aug. 16 7:30-10 a.m.
Fri, Aug. 17 7:30-10 a.m.
Sat, Aug. 18 7:30-10 a.m. (Scrimmage)
Sun, Aug. 19 Off Day
Mon, Aug. 20 7:30-10 a.m.
Tues, Aug. 21 7:30-10 a.m.
Wed. Aug. 22 7:30-10 a.m.

All practices at Stott Community Field on the PSU campus