"This is very experimental."

These four words were used by John Carroll University Assistant Athletic Director Chris Wenzler to describe the latest step forward in the technology age for JCU sports information. On Wednesday afternoon at Schweickert Field, Wenzler and his staff will attempt its first video webcast using only an IPhone.

The opportunity came about when the John Carroll baseball doubleheader with Marietta was postponed three times and ultimately moved onto a date that already had a scheduled webcast involving the Blue Streak softball team.

Unable to secure an audio broadcast through WJCU, alternative plans were explored.

Then came a great accident.

"I was exploring the UStream website when I noticed there was an IPhone app that would allow a user to produce a webcast through their device," said Wenzler. "It was either this or nothing, so our attitude was let's move forward. We cannot guarantee or promise that this will work flawlessly, but well take the path of 'nothing ventured nothing gained' and hope for the best."

The link to the broadcast is http://www.ustream.tv/channel/jcu-baseball-vs-marietta-042610. There will also be live stats available for both games.

The broadcast will be free of charge through the UStream, and will rely heavily on audio description as the camera will be stationary and focus primarily on the area between home plate and the pitchers mound. Wenzler also is not sure how the final product will look or sound, but welcomes feedback in the hope that this will not be a one-time deal. 

"We know there are limitations, but we view this as the ground floor," said Wenzler. "Where we build from here is anybody's guess."