Lakewood City Schools Launches Enhanced Rangers Athletic Website

Lakewood City Schools has officially launched its new athletic department website, transitioning from its previous vendor VNN to Mascot Media. This change comes after the district faced significant challenges with VNN following its acquisition by PlayOn Sports. Athletic Director Robert D. Slone described the difficulties encountered with the former platform, including limited control over updates and persistent errors.

In light of these issues, Slone sought out a new website provider to enhance communication and accessibility for the community. The new Ranger website offers improved functionality, including a comprehensive directory for high school and middle school staff, allowing community members to easily locate contact information for coaches. Slone noted that this feature is particularly beneficial, stating, “If somebody’s looking for a head coach contact, they go right to that.”

Another significant advantage of the new platform is the integration of a mobile app provided by Mascot Media. This feature enables coaches to send direct messages and instant updates about schedule changes or delays. “It’s going to be a bit of a game-changer for some of our coaches to be able to reach out to people,” Slone remarked. The app is designed to alert users immediately, ensuring that families and athletes stay informed about important changes.

The new website continues to support livestreaming for sporting events, providing an opportunity for family members unable to attend games in person to watch remotely. The Lakewood Athletic Boosters are covering the initial start-up cost of $5,200, along with an annual fee of $6,200, allowing the district to maintain full control over the site’s functionality, including advertising and sponsorship opportunities.

Communication remains a top priority for Slone. He emphasized the importance of facilitating easier interactions between coaches and the community, stating, “Communication is my No. 1 concern, so any way I can make it easier for us to communicate was a huge piece of this.” The launch of the new website and mobile app represents a significant step forward for Lakewood City Schools, enhancing the overall experience for students, parents, and staff alike.