Despite the Elon baseball team’s 14-3 loss to Wofford on Saturday afternoon, Kenny Mallory ’25 stole the spotlight with a jaw-dropping, viral-worthy catch in left field.
Patrick Cunningham saw it coming.
As a line drive streaked toward left field during Saturday’s Elon baseball game against Wofford, Kenny Mallory ’25 made a spectacular juggling catch, ending a bases-loaded threat in the third inning.
“Oh, what a catch! Duhn-on-don, duhn-on-ont!” Cunningham exclaimed over the behind-the-scenes audio of the Elon Sports Vision broadcast. The university’s director of live broadcast production was channeling the iconic intro beats of ESPN’s “SportsCenter” – and he wasn’t wrong. Later that day, Mallory’s highlight-reel grab landed fourth on the network’s Top 10 plays segment.
The moment underscored the talent and dedication of last weekend’s Elon Sports Vision crew, which was operating with a skeleton staff due to the university’s spring break.
Cunningham, who directed the March 15 baseball broadcast, praised the students for their hard work and commitment.
“I was pleased with our broadcast, especially given the challenges of spring break,” he said. “We were significantly short-staffed, but we’re incredibly grateful for those who sacrificed part of their well-earned break to help us get on air. Without their dedication, fans outside the stadium wouldn’t have been able to witness that moment.”
Capturing Mallory’s play – and producing a seamless broadcast – was a true team effort.
Cunningham oversaw camera positioning and assignments, ensuring every play was covered from the best angles. Three student camera operators – Ben Bronstein ’26, Jordan Molinari-Suggs ’28 and Noah Feiner ’26 – were behind the lenses on Saturday, with Bronstein capturing Mallory’s heroics.
“It was a good shot because we saw everything that happened with Mallory juggling the ball and then finally securing it, while also showing enough of the field to show that the bases were loaded,” Cunningham said. “Ben also had to work around a pole that was just barely out of the way.”
He credited the camera crew for its discipline and attention to detail, noting that the students’ execution helped make the broadcast run smoothly.
Several other key players helped bring Saturday’s broadcast to life. Sport management major Scott Katz ’26 served as technical director, seamlessly switching between cameras throughout the game. Cunningham and Katz also provided replays to Elon Sports Vision Coordinating Producer Annika Cronin and replay operator Anthony Eppolito ’27.
Cronin echoed Cunningham’s appreciation for the student team, emphasizing that standout moments like Mallory’s catch are a testament to teamwork.
“That kind of play isn’t captured by just one person – it takes the entire crew working together,” she said. “I am continually pleased by the hard work of our students. Saturday was no exception. They handled the broadcast and their assignments with professionalism. We have an incredibly hard-working team, and I’m reminded of that every day.”
So, what’s the impact of Mallory’s catch? Unfortunately, the Phoenix didn’t come away with the win, but the play – and its widespread attention – means Elon Sports Vision is producing a broadcast worthy of the spotlight.
“For a small school and growing broadcast team, earning national recognition – like being featured on ‘SportsCenter’s’ Top 10 – is a tremendous honor,” Cunningham said. “It highlights the talent, dedication and impact of our work on a national stage.”