The University of Mary Washington athletic department will utilize Stretch Internet to stream its live video contests for the 2016-17 school year.

"The University of Mary Washington holds a special place in the history of Stretch Internet, having initially been one of our first clients back in 2003," said Stretch Internet President & CEO Ryan Ermeling. "We are beyond excited to welcome them back into the fold – and on an even larger scale. Our product and service will now benefit not just the athletics department, but the university at large as they look to stream a multitude of events on campus."

"We are so excited to join the Stretch Internet family to provide our fans the highest level of service and quality with our live stream events", said UMW Assistant AD for Marketing and Communications Clint Often. "Coupled with new extensive hard wired ports throughout our athletic facilities, using Stretch Internet as our streaming provider will help us show our quality programs to the world!"

Stretch Internet is a streaming provider specializing in live sporting events (more than 25,000 last year alone) and higher education, while also working with businesses and non-profits looking for support-driven service. Utilizing its client-customized, proprietary GameCentral, CampusCentral and EventCentral portals, Stretch delivers a one-of-a-kind experience that includes HD-optional video, integrated live chat, live blogging, social media and other features via free-to-view or pay-per-view models. Unlike most CDNs and streaming hosts, Stretch provides live monitoring and support for every single event streamed through its platform.

UMW will also use Stretch Internet to stream non-athletic events on campus throughout the year as well.

The first streamed contest will be on Friday at 5 p.m., as the field hockey team hosts Dickinson College for its season opener.