In both athletics and video production, South High School is making statewide waves.

Colt Nation TV (CNTV), a major component of South's burgeoning video communications program, was tabbed by the Colorado Association of School Boards to produce a highlight reel for CASB's 77th annual state conference, held over three days at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.

Based in Denver, CASB represents and advocates for more than 1,000 school board members and superintendents statewide.

"A CASB official reached out to the district and asked if we had students available to do some video recording, never knowing that we could do so much more," said Donny Ruybal, director of the video communications program.

"So we put a journalistic news story together, using timely content, and had it ready to go within hours. Everyone was surprised at how quickly we were able to turn it around."

A team 12 Colts spent two days at The Broadmoor scripting, conducting interviews, gathering live footage and then piecing it all together.

"The video was like a feature film to really showcase what CASB had going on," said Mira Roman, one of the students who worked on the production. "We got an email back from a CASB official saying they really loved the video, which made us feel very proud."

Added Ruybal, "It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our program and talents before school board members and superintendents from throughout Colorado."

Christina Manzanares, who served as producer, said she wanted her fellow communication students to not only capture "amazing backgrounds" but to truly connect with their interviewees.

"That was the important part, that connection," Manzanares said. "And that's exactly what they did. The final result was amazing."

Since its founding last year, CNTV has produced a steady stream of content for Comcast channel PCS-18, including several pieces on South's historic run to the Class 4A state title and victory rally, D60's Pride and Patriotism events and other district programs, offerings and athletic contests.

"My vision is for video to eventually take over the district," said journalism instructor Aaron Collett, who is overseeing the return of South's school newspaper. "I really would like Pueblo to be known as the video district -- you can come to Pueblo and get awesome video for whatever event you need.

"Pueblo already is a really cool town and video production could really be the thing that puts Pueblo on the map."

Ruybal envisions CNTV partnering with local non-profits and charitable groups to help showcase and expand worthy causes.

"That's what I want to do," Ruybal said. "To get the kids involved in being ambassadors for the city and its many great causes."

In just a little over a year, Ruybal believes CNTV and the video communications program has made "four years of progress. We now have about 45 students in all our classes. But it goes beyond operating computers and camera equipment.

"Our kids are learning how to troubleshoot problems -- to be resourceful and work around problems when the clock is ticking. That's what the world needs: troubleshooters."

jpompia@chieftain.com