Iris Energy donates drones to CHS football

By Whitney Wyatt | October 14, 2022 |

CHILDRESS – The drone Iris Energy donated to Childress High School Athletics is modernizing how Bobcat coaches and players prepare for games.

“We use it in practice every day,” said Coach Chris Marquez. “It’s a great teaching tool.”

Marquez said the drone gives them a good overhead shot. Before it, they filmed from the stands and the press box. That only provided a side view, but the drone provides a straight view.

“We call it a butt shot, where you can see our kids’ numbers,” Marquez said. “It’s great quality images too.”

CHS student Joel Rodriguez is the film coordinator. He operates the drone under the coaches’ supervision. “He does a good job,” Marquez said. “He is having fun flying the drone and taking good care of it.”

Rodriguez uploads the film overnight. Then coaches and players watch the film the next day, Marquez explained. Coaches start the athletic period with the drone footage. This allows coaches to see hesitation steps and where players need to be on the field.

“We split up into position groups,” he said. “I coach the running backs and special teams. I’ll have those guys for 20 minutes. We break down the film with the kids, and then we hit the practice field, so we can implement what we went over.”

Drones are nothing new to Marquez. He came to Childress from 6A Denton Guyer High School, where he was in charge of their drones. Since CHS didn’t have one, he reached out to Iris Energy.

“Our Team at Iris Energy jumped at the chance to bring technology into sports,” said Iris Energy Community and Employees Relations Manager Nicole Dill.

She worked with CHS student Callum Smith on picking out a drone, Marquez said. “He (Smith) programmed the drone to what we wanted and set files, which was all very important and helpful,” he added. “Callum is really smart.”

Coach Reid Ware said the drone has been extremely helpful. “We greatly appreciate the view and contribution to our program,” he said. “Both us and the kids have benefited from its donation.”

Marquez agreed. “Their (Iris Energy) contributions to Childress football has meant a lot to our kids and the coaching staff,” Marquez said.

Iris Energy didn’t stop there. They also support the CHS Players of the Week, Dill said. “These players are selected by the coaches,” she said. “Iris Energy couldn’t be more proud of each athlete!”