Cody EisenBeis. A known, respected name you hear chanted while standing in the student sections at Bismarck High. On the sidelines, you can spot Cody filming various BHS sports, like football, volleyball, basketball and more.
Cody’s media coverage includes photography and videography. While he does work for other neighboring high schools, BHS has left a notable impression on him, encouraging him to keep coming back.
“Bismarck High definitely has the best community that I’ve been a part of,” Cody said. “At the team level, in basketball (boys and girls), and even in volleyball or football, they all treat each other like family. I see that, even being in some of the locker rooms and stuff, and it really makes me happy seeing that.”
At BHS, Cody appreciates the family-like culture. He thrives off the energy of BHS’s athletes, who inspire him to create new pieces of media that can tell a story.
“Just having people support me and back me in what I do really helps guide me in what I want to do in my future. I just love being creative and being able to tell a story for athletes around the North Dakota area.”
BHS greatly appreciates Cody and the publicity he gives us. Cody highlights how BHS has come off as more appreciative than other schools he’s worked for.
“Honestly, every time I post a video, everyone shares it and supports it and comments – I’ll get messages for it, whereas other schools don’t do that, and I’ve noticed that. That support really helps me, ‘like, no, okay, I’m not invisible’.”
Some of Cody’s challenges are producing videos that are unique from each other. He stresses the patience it takes to level up his editing and consistently be creative.
“The main challenges are growing and trying to better myself in each video and knowing that progress isn’t going to come overnight.”
Six years ago, Cody’s career started in his hometown of Pembina, ND. There, he used his parents’ old camera to start filming. Fast forward to today, with upgraded equipment, Cody’s career has taken off thanks to the Bismarck community. Here, he not only does sports coverage, but is also a videographer at Evangel Church.
“Through the church, I’m able to provide videos. But you know, that’s not all I do. I’m able to talk with people, and I can lead and develop others in their walk with the Lord.”
Behind the camera, Cody is a devoted Christian. He’s noticed how athletes are increasingly recognizing Christ within their sport, which motivates him to produce content that can inspire others.
“In sports and just in the community, I see other people that are showing their faith, whether you know they’re writing little verses on their shoes, or praying before the game or after the game, I see that, and I think it’s growing amazingly,” Cody explains. “People are starting to spread the word more.”
Before Cody’s career, he had struggled with mental health battles. However, today he aims to help others who may have the same struggles and hopes to make a positive difference in others’ lives.
“I didn’t go to church growing up, and I was quick to anger, and I fought a lot of mental health battles.” Cody continues, “There are so many people nowadays, whether it’s college or high school, who go through mental health battles who may not bring them to light because they’re either scared or embarrassed. So, just being able to talk with people is a huge thing.”
While filming, Cody is part of something positive and bigger than himself, which drives his motivation to keep growing his career.
“When it comes to shooting sports, some sports help me get out of that mental health battle,” Cody said. “I think the sports community is growing in continuing to share the word and continuing to pray and everything, and that is something I find really cool and helps me continue.”
