SVG Students To Watch: Hunter Tempel, Marquette University

The Chicago native has emerged as a leader at Marquette's student-run production operation, directing broadcasts, mentoring peers, and building toward a career in live sports

The future of live sports production remains bright. Back for Season 2, SVG Students To Watch spotlights the next generation of live-sports-production professionals. Across campuses nationwide, students are playing a key role in bringing their schools' games to fans - producing shows, directing broadcasts, running replay, building graphics, operating cameras, engineering workflows, and more. This series celebrates the young talent already making an impact today and preparing to shape the future of sports-video production.

Hunter Tempel

College: Marquette University

Academic Year: Junior

Hometown: Chicago

Roles: Director

What drew you to live sports production, and how did you get started?

I was drawn to live sports production in high school. My high school (Brother Rice High School in Chicago) had a club that broadcasted every home sporting event. I had been interested in joining since 7th grade. I would watch every one of my high school's broadcasts, which led me to join the club in high school.

I have been in love with all things behind the scenes ever since. In high school, I was the lead director and would handle the directing of the games as well as the creation of graphics, scorebugs, and sponsor ads. When choosing a college, I knew I wanted to do something in broadcasting, and, at Marquette, within [the first] three weeks of my freshman year, I was hands-on running camera for the men's and women's soccer games.

Marquette University junior Hunter Tempel serves as executive student director for Twelfth Street Media, overseeing live sports broadcasts and production operations. He often directs live games, including here, where he calls the shots on a women's basketball game.Was there an aha moment when you realized you really loved a particular role, like directing, replay, graphics, camera, audio, engineering, or producing?

There have been quite a few of these moments along my journey in broadcasting. The first one that comes to mind was in high school: I was talking to the moderator of the broadcasting club, and he said to me, You are BRTV (BRTV, Brother Rice Television, was what the club was called). That moment has stuck with me because it was the first time I had realized that I had the determination and skill to go far in sports production.

Another aha moment was in freshman year at Marquette when I had the opportunity to direct my first-ever game. It was a men's lacrosse game. I was absolutely terrified that my first time directing would be an actual live Division I lacrosse broadcast. As the game went on, I remember thinking to myself that it was the coolest thing ever to be able to direct a live game like that. After that, I knew I was truly doing something I loved and was reassured that it was truly what I wanted to do in college and in my future career.

What has been your favorite project or game that you've worked on, and why?

I have truly enjoyed every game that I have ever worked. There are, however, a few standouts that have stayed with me.

The first was Marquette Women's Basketball versus Wisconsin. This game was so much fun, and to be able to direct such a viewed game was amazing. Seeing a sold-out stadium and knowing that there were thousands more at home watching the broadcast I was directing was so cool. Being able to be a small part of the I-94 rivalry game was so memorable.

Another game that has stuck with me and has been my favorite was a men's basketball game versus Albany at the Fiserv Forum on FS1. This was the first game I worked at in an actual NBA arena, and it did not disappoint. I had the ability to see how a professional broadcast truck works and functions, as well as see all the preparation that goes into even the most basic broadcast. Just being able to walk around in the tunnels of Fiserv Forum and see the players, coaches, and staff walking around was so cool. Being right under the basket and so close to the action was a truly unforgettable experience for me.

A Chicago native, Tempel has developed a passion for directing live sports productions, gaining experience behind the switcher on Marquette Athletics broadcasts airing on ESPN+ and YouTube. Here, he directs a Marquette Women's Basketball game against DePaul.What's the most challenging aspect of working in live sports production as a student?

I think the most challenging aspect of working in live sports is getting involved. I feel like, because the industry of sports broadcasting is intentionally behind the scenes, it is difficult to find companies for internships and job opportunities. Additionally, trying to get involved as such a young student is difficult, and finding people willing to show you around and how things work is difficult.

What is one role, skill, or area of production you're trying to improve in right now?

I am currently trying to learn how to be more precise and thought out with how I cut a game. After every game, I always watch it back, and I found myself, more often than I want to be, saying, Oh, that was a rough cut.

Because of this reaction, I have been trying to take an extra half second before I cut to a different camera or take a replay. This extra half second, I think, has helped my storytelling and the overall watchability of my broadcasts.

Additionally, I am always working toward teaching those around me about everything. I try to always explain to people why I am running a certain cable or why I set up things the way I do. I think, especially in this industry, knowledge of different ways things can be done is very valuable, and teaching that to the underclassmen should help them.

What are your career aspirations afte

LINK:	https://www.sportsvideo.org/2026/11/05/svg-students-to-watch-hunter-te...
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