From Comet Field to Jack Trice

Wednesday, November 13th, 2024

ALLEMAN, IA -- We are excited to launch a new series where we highlight the fantastic work our Comet alumni are doing beyond the halls of North Polk. To kick things off, we’re shining a spotlight on Brodie Figgins, a 2024 graduate who is now a Video Student Assistant with the Iowa State University football team.

During his time at North Polk, Brodie was deeply involved in various activities, with a particular focus on journalism and broadcasting. His passion for sports, speaking football, and media has carried him to Ames, where he’s now living his dream, working in the heart of the action at Jack Trice Stadium.

A Day in the Life of Brodie at Iowa State

Brodie’s role with the Iowa State Football team is a dream come true. As a Video Student Assistant, he films practices and games, providing valuable footage that the coaching staff uses to analyze performance and strategize improvements. "Our film is also shared with other teams across college football, giving them multiple angles of each game," Brodie explained. He works closely with a small team of about 7-8 assistants to capture the action from a variety of perspectives, including sideline views and overhead shots from scoreboards.

A typical day for Brodie starts early. "In the fall, we film practices in the morning, typically from 7-11 a.m.," he shared. His team films everything, from drills to walkthroughs, using high-tech Sony and Panasonic cameras, as well as remote-controlled PTZ cameras on the outdoor fields. After each session, they upload the footage to a system called Catapult, which helps coaches review and make corrections.

On game days, Brodie’s schedule becomes even more exciting. He arrives about an hour and a half before kick-off, helping to set up the cameras around the stadium—usually stationed in the south endzone, right by the scoreboard. Once the game begins, the team is ready to roll, ensuring that every
moment is captured without issue. Afterward, they pack up all the gear and head back to the facility.

Combining Passion with Profession

Brodie’s favorite part of his job is the opportunity to be immersed in the sport he loves.

"I played football in high school and wanted to stay involved with the game," he said. "Being able to combine my passion for sports with my interest in media and film has been an incredible experience."

And, of course, there's the added bonus of working for the team he’s supported for years. "It’s special to work for Iowa State, a team I’ve been a fan of since I was born," Brodie reflected.

Brodie’s journey from Comet Field to Jack Trice is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see where his career takes him next. We are so proud to see our alumni succeed and contribute their talents on such a big stage!

Stay tuned for more stories about our incredible Comet alumni!