ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University alumnus Jerry Patton and his company, Classic Worldwide Productions of Cleveland, Ohio, recently donated more than 53,000 feet of broadcast cable to Ohio University's Department of Athletics. The cable is estimated to have a cash value of nearly $30,000.

The university received approximately 43,000 feet of coaxial cable, 6,200 feet of triaxial cable, 2,300 feet of audio cable and 2,000 feet of audio snake to use for future broadcasts.

"I am always more than happy to give back to my alma mater, because I know how important the Ohio Sports Network's broadcasts are as a recruiting tool," Patton said. "I am very proud to help make an impact on a campus that is one of the leaders in preparing outstanding communicators of tomorrow."

The cable, which will be permanently installed at the Convocation Center this fall, will enable television production trucks to simply park, plug and play prior to broadcasting events from the 13,000-seat basketball arena.

The preinstalled cable will help decrease television crews' pregame and postgame setup, while also decreasing the university's labor expenses. The cable also will increase safety at the arena because of the absence of cables running along the interior and exterior walkways and ceilings.

"The Department of Athletics is very grateful for Jerry's generous gift of cable to help make our athletics facilities friendly for television productions," said Ohio University Associate Athletics Director Mark Wilson. "These improvements will positively impact the operations of the Ohio Sports Network and other productions originating at our athletics facilities."

Patton, who graduated in 1967 with a bachelor's degree in business, is the president of Classic Worldwide Productions, a major television production media company he started in 1983.

"Through the generosity of Jerry Patton and Classic Worldwide Productions, the Convocation Center will become a power plug-and-play facility," said Executive Director of Ohio University Communications and Marketing Paul Ladwig. "This improvement maintains Ohio's athletics venues as leaders in the Midwest. The thousands of feet of broadcast cable that has been donated will make the venue more efficient for broadcast crews, aesthetically pleasing for fans and safer for the university."

The gift is part of Ohio University's Bicentennial Campaign, which has raised more than $150 million toward its goal of $200 million by 2004, the university's 200th anniversary. The campaign will provide money for scholarships, endowed faculty positions, technological enhancements, innovative programs and selected capital improvements.