It’s 94 degrees at 5:43 p.m., and practice is winding down.

Sweat drenched and achy, the Husker football team perseveres, hoping to end practice on a high note.

While tight ends, quarterbacks and wide receivers perfect their technique on the field, U. Nebraska-Lincoln freshman Mike McGuire works to perfect his skills as a videographer.

“I just like the whole thought of recording what happened and then being able to watch it later,” McGuire said. “Getting experience shooting everyday, and especially shooting in a very particular way, will help me learn to be a more versatile cameraman.”

McGuire works for the program’s video department on a crew of seven other students. Each week, five students join video director Mike Nobler and assistant director Matt Schilling in capturing Nebraska’s games and four practices.

Games and practices are shot from two different angles on each field &- one is a side angle of the field and end zone view that is recorded on scissor lifts, while another operator films from the ground.

Afterward, the film is digitally stored. This is set up so coaches can access recordings of practices and games, with back-to-back views of the same play from two angles.

It isn’t an easy job, McGuire said, but it sure beats some of the jobs he did during his time at Omaha North High, like filming several “A Christmas Carol” productions.

“There’s a lot of work to break the game down and get it ready to watch,” Nobler said. “I’m a tech geek and a sports fan, so that’s like the best combo for that.”

Nobler and Schilling each work 65 to 70 hours a week to help coaches prepare for each game. Because the Huskers have a limited number of practices, it’s important for the cameramen to be attentive and accurate.

“If something happens or a computer isn’t working correctly or it isn’t loading, then that’s just time they’re losing in a week,” Nobler said.

The film is intended specifically for coaches and advisors, but players also have access. In an attempt to learn from their mistakes, many team members take advantage of this privilege.

“The players kind of select their own level of interaction with us, some more than others if they know the technology,” Schilling said. “Some guys are in here more because they’re looking for more video (of opponents or themselves)”

NU starting I-back Roy Helu Jr. is one of those players. Schilling said the senior frequently looks at film of how other top-notch running backs are performing.

“I don’t know exactly what he looks for, but he’s always trying to make himself better in that way,” Schilling said. “If we don’t have it, we always try to find it.”

While the work is rewarding in many ways, it isn’t always glamorous for McGuire.

Last week, a tornado watch began in the middle of practice. Wild winds and rain followed with McGuire high in the air in a scissor lift.

“I noticed the lift started shaking vigorously, my hat flew off, and things started flying out of my lift,” McGuire said. “I was afraid I was next.”

But the drill wasn’t over. He had to finish shooting.

Once it was over, Schilling radioed for him to come down. McGuire gladly grabbed his tripod and prepared to make the descent.

“Around this time,” McGuire said, “the north goal post next to me blew over, and a fence behind it was ripping off the posts

“It was a wild ride to the ground, but I was glad to be there.”

Nobler knows his crew is irreplaceable because of the training they have been through.

“Everyone thinks that anyone can stand there with a video camera,” Nobler said. “Usually, you’ve gotta find a football fan with interest in the job who is somewhat passionate.”

Husker fans like McGuire, Nobler said, are the perfect people for the job because they care about what they’re doing.

“It’s nice to know that for the next three or four years, we’ll have him around,” Nobler said.