Lommel is a director with Husky Productions and mass communications major with a TV production emphasis at St. Cloud State University. As a student, Lommel directs live hockey broadcasts on UTVS. His games have also broadcast on FOX Sports North when the channel picks up a Huskies hockey match.
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“I think our TV program is extremely unique,” he said.
St. Cloud State offers students hands-on experience with professional grade equipment in its University Television Station (UTVS) TV studios. The student-run studio provides sports and news programming to more than 33,000 households in the St. Cloud area via Charter Channel 180.
Lommel’s Husky Productions crew won Outstanding Live Game Production at the College Sports Media Awards in 2016 for one of their men’s hockey broadcasts.
“Even as a freshman, you can get your hands on all the different equipment,” Lommel said. “It’s all stuff that professionals use, but you’re able to use it and learn with it and get instruction from professors.”
“Here at St. Cloud State I’ve been able to have an experience that you can’t really get anywhere else.”
Lommel started out with UTVS as a camera operator and moved up through the replay room and editing on to directing.
It was this level of professional development for students that drew Lommel, who grew up in St. Cloud and graduated from Tech High School, to attend St. Cloud State.
Neil Lommel directs live hockey broadcasts for Husky Productions. Photo by Nick Lenz ’11
“I toured St. Cloud State and UTVS and the TV studios — all the facilities here — and I was just blown away by what they had, he said. “It’s not something that other universities are able to offer, and I think because of that my time at St Cloud State has really prepared me for the professional world.”
Lommel enjoys attending college in his hometown. The experience gives him a chance to see his family whenever he wants and has given him a new perspective on a different part of his home town. It also makes him the go-to guy for advice about the city for friends looking for good restaurants and places to visit.
“I’m very proud to be from St. Cloud, and I’m proud that I chose to go to St. Cloud State,” he said.
His experiences with Husky Productions and with his professors in the classroom has confirmed his choice.
“Here at St. Cloud State I’ve been able to have an experience that you can’t really get anywhere else,” he said.
