BROADCAST SPOTLIGHT: NFL SCOUTING COMBINE

SMT tackles NFL Scouting Combine with fan-engagement graphics

Thanks to Peter Frank, Media Production Manager, for contributing to this report and to Shaun Bales for the highlight reel.

From Feb. 26 through March 1, SMT once again supported broadcast coverage of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, delivering a suite of advanced graphics and tracking technologies for NFL Network. Now in its 17th year supporting the event, SMT continues to expand the tools and visual elements that help fans better understand the athletic performance of the league’s top prospects.

SMT’s presence at the Combine has evolved significantly since first supporting the event in 2009. SimulCam and StroMotion have long been staples of the broadcast, particularly during the highly anticipated 40-yard dash and on-field drills. For the past decade, SMT has also provided Iso Track pointers that identify each athlete within SimulCam comparisons. Virtual yard markers marking the 10-, 20-, 30-, and 40-yard lines add further context during the 40-yard dash, while virtual drill titles displayed on the field help viewers follow the wide range of on-field evaluations taking place throughout the week.

In recent years, SMT has expanded its contributions with advanced player tracking capabilities. This year marked the fourth season of SMT’s partnership with Zebra Technologies to visualize player tracking data during drills. Using tracking chips worn by the athletes, SMT rendered broadcast elements known as “Tracer,” which displayed discs, trails and player pointers with data overlays to illustrate each player’s movement and path on the field. These elements, stabilized using camera tracking from Skycam, provided viewers with a deeper look at player performance and positioning.

According to Media Production Manager Peter Frank, NFL Network once again praised SMT’s work at the Combine, highlighting the continued impact of SimulCam as a fan-favorite feature and the increasing integration of StroMotion into the broadcast. Producers Mark Teitelman and Steve Menzel, along with Senior Graphics Producer Brad Allen, shared their appreciation for SMT’s execution and innovation throughout the event, including the successful deployment of the Tracer player tracking visuals and the consistent reliability of the virtual drill titles.

Products for 2026 NFL Scouting Combine

StroMotion: Creating clones to see a player's path, player's form and the path of the football
o Used during on-field drills
SimulCam: Virtual overlaying video on top of video to compare multiple videos
o Used during the 40-yard dash
Iso Track: Virtual pointers identifying players in a SimulCam
o Used during the 40-yard dash
Virtual Yard Markers: Shows 10, 20, 30 and 40 markers
o Used during the 40-yard dash
Camera Tracker: Tracking stabilization for Tracer (player tracking) and drill titles from Skycam
Virtual Drill Titles: Text titles laid on field identifying each drill
o Used during on-field drills
Tracer (player tracking): Discs, trails and player pointers with data to show a player's path during drills. Data-integrated player pointers displayed information such as MPH.
o Used during on-field drills

SMT Team

Alex Caldwell: Camera Tracker operator for Skycam
Peter Frank: SimulCam/StroMotion operator
Jacob Luksik: Tracer operator
John McDonald: Iso Track operator
Danny Baker: Virtual Drill Title operator for Skycam and Yardage Markers operator
Leo Dupell: Utility
Jeremy Luster: Business Development Manager
Ellen Campbell: Client Services
Yosimar Vargas: Broadcast Systems Specialist

BROADCAST SPOTLIGHT: 40-YARD DASH

Peter 'SimulCam Guy' Frank's 40-yard dashes through the years

One of the most entertaining traditions of the NFL Scouting Combine is the annual "Run Rich Run" segment where NFL prospects showcase their speed in the 40-yard dash, alongside host Rich Eisen, all in support of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

A SimulCam comparison aired during the broadcast showing Frank once again beating Eisen, marking the eighth consecutive year Peter, aka "SimulCam Guy," has participated. The segment also featured a SimulCam clip showing several NFL Network crew members outrunning Eisen, including SMT team members Leo Dupell and Jacob Luksik.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: COGNIZANT CLASSIC

SMT's new 15’ x 36’ Monsterboard on 18 Green features Nico Echavarria, who took home $1.728 million as the winner of the 2026 Cognizant Classic after finishing 17-under par.

SMT expands presence at Cognizant Classic with new LED displays

Thanks to John Ossi, Broadcast Specialist, for contributing to this report and providing photos.

SMT continued to grow its support of the Cognizant Classic in 2026, delivering an expanded lineup of digital displays and scoring solutions at the iconic PGA National Resort Champion Course in Palm Beach, Fla. Working with the PGA Tour, SMT introduced several new fan-facing video displays this year, significantly expanding the event’s on-course viewing experience.

SMT first supported the tournament in 2025 with scoring and television displays. In 2026, that footprint grew considerably with the addition of three large LED video boards placed at key locations around the course at holes 17 and 18 and inside the Media Center. These high-resolution displays featured live scoring, video highlights, and tournament updates, enabling fans and media follow the action in real time from some of the event’s most visible gathering areas.

Additional upgrades included five on-course information kiosks and more than 100 televisions installed throughout hospitality venues and tournament spaces.

SMT’s on-site team was led by Events Project Manager II Torrance Wilson, with Robert Mucha overseeing the event data management operation. Saif Islam led the tournament scoring and information system, with support from Jamie Eisenberg, while Ron Porter managed the eectronic tee sheet system that supports player and tournament operations.

John Ossi led video production services for the event, overseeing content production for the Media Center display as well as the large video boards at holes 17 and 18. The 17th hole sits within the course’s famous “Bear Trap,” one of the most challenging stretches in professional golf, making the new display there a prime spot for fans to follow the drama as players navigate the demanding closing holes.

Ossi also led production in the Media Center during the presentation of the Tim Rosaforte Distinguished Journalist Award, which honors excellence in golf journalism and celebrates the legacy of longtime golf reporter Tim Rosaforte.

Played at PGA National’s Champion Course since 2007, the Cognizant Classic has raised more than $70 million for charitable causes throughout its history. With new LED displays and expanded digital coverage across the course, SMT helped deliver an enhanced fan and media experience while continuing to grow its presence at one of the PGA Tour’s most recognizable events.

SMT is currently supporting the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando through Sunday, then the Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. March 12-15.

SMT provided production for Hole 17 of the Bear Trap.

CONTEST SPOTLIGHT: SMT DATA CHALLENGE

SMT Data Challenge launches Year 5 with new website, fresh topic and tutoring opportunities

The SMT Data Challenge is entering its fifth year with updates designed to make the competition even more engaging and impactful for students pursuing careers in sports analytics and technology. According to Data Challenge Coordinator Billy Fryer, this year marks a huge step forward for the program with the launch of a new website, expanded educational resources and a fresh theme designed to spark creativity.

“Our theme this year is ‘On the Big Screen!’,” Billy shared. “The prompt centers around storytelling through a scoreboard graphic, challenging students to think not just about analytics, but about how to communicate insights visually in a way that resonates with fans and broadcasters.”

Another major enhancement for 2026 is the introduction of a revamped tutorial series designed to guide participants through the entire data science process. The sessions will cover topics ranging from generating strong research ideas and working with tracking data to coding in both R and Python, as well as presenting work and networking with sports industry professionals. Registration for this year’s competition is open now and closes April 29.

The SMT Data Challenge provides students with unparalleled access to real-world Minor League ball- and player-tracking data through SMT’s 6th Tool product. Participants use the data to develop original research that pushes the boundaries of baseball analytics. The competition is organized by Billy and SMT Sr. Data Scientist and SMT-U Academic Lead Dr. Meredith Wills, and currently supports students from 23 universities that utilize the 6th Tool system.

Beyond the competition itself, the program continues to serve as a powerful pipeline into the sports industry. In the 2025 class alone, 11 participants secured professional roles within six weeks of the cycle. MLB organizations hiring from the 2025 cohort included the Phillies, Orioles, Yankees (two hires), Rays, Braves, and Brewers. Additional placements occurred with the Syracuse Crunch (AHL), Milwaukee Milkmen, Acadiana Cane Cutters, and the UFL League Office. Across the program’s four-year history, 53 of 229 participants—roughly 23 percent—have secured roles in the sports industry, including 31 with MLB clubs, 24 with non-MLB teams, and 15 with sports-technology companies.

Last year’s competition winner, Timothy Millar, a PhD candidate at the University of Canberra’s National Security Institute, earned top honors for his project, “The Cognitive Clock Score (CCS) Framework: Measuring Player Cognition during the Pre-Acquisition Phase.” His work introduced a model that quantifies the split-second mental processes behind defensive performance, evaluating players through factors such as reaction time, path efficiency, movement decisiveness, adaptability, and anticipation.

SMT hosts the finalists each year, who are given a behind-the-scenes look at SMT’s technology and the area's sports culture. Last year's experience included a tour of SMT’s ROOSTER operations center during live NHL tracking, visits to NC State’s ballpark and SMT’s manufacturing facility, and behind-the-scenes access to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The group also enjoyed local experiences across the Triangle, including stops at Waffle House, Q-Shack BBQ, and Krispy Kreme.

“The 2025 SMT Data Challenge was an amazing experience from start to finish,” Timothy said. “The Challenge has opened up so many exciting opportunities that I'm looking forward to exploring.”

Check out the Data Challenge website!

NOMINATE A COLLEAGUE (OR YOURSELF!)

Click here to anonymously nominate someone to be featured in Talent Spotlight!

Events and Remote Teams

We are staffing 74 events this week. Safe travels to all!

Content in Oculus is proprietary and should not be shared outside of SMT without permission.