Chilton Booster Club successful in supporting local athletes thus far

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:53:33 GMT

By Tyler Mathes

Photo by Mike Barany
The Chilton Booster Club mascots prepare for a thrilling race outside the Chilton High School gymnasium.

Mascot races are an exciting new addition this year during the half-time of some varsity sporting events. The mascots are supported by local Chilton businesses. Profits from the mascot races benefit the Chilton Booster Club. The Chilton Booster Club (CBC) was recently established in May of 2009. The primary purpose of the club is to support students in grades 7-12 who participate in sanctioned Chilton school athletic programs. They believe that everyone will benefit from participation in co-curricular activities. With their efforts and encouragement, they ultimately hope to promote sportsmanship. "I believe that the first goals we have focused on include forming a successful organization and creating a solid foundation of funds and membership. I believe that we are well on our way to a successful organization, but it is a marathon, not a sprint," stated CBC president, Scot Bruckner. "Developing a strong membership base from parents, teachers, community members and businesses helps us not only reach our short term goals but also prepare for long term goals. As the organization is built on volunteer efforts, the more members we can draw from means the more fund-raising activities we can perform leading to more support we can provide to the Chilton athletic program." Students are encouraged to become involved in the Chilton Booster Club. Most recently, the Booster Club sponsored a sixth, seventh and eighth grade basketball tournament February 27 and 28. Many students volunteered to work on the court and in the concession stand. It is recommended that students communicate with their parents and are willing to volunteer when needed. When asked about how students can get involved, CBC member Mike Barany said, "The boys’ basketball tournament was a prime example of how students can get involved. Numerous boys basketball players ranging from freshmen to varsity volunteered to operate the scoreboard and score books. Other volunteer work that students can get involved in would be to help out at various concessions and other Booster Club-sponsored events. If you are a student that does not like to get involved volunteering, you can support the club by purchasing Chilton Tiger apparel sold by the CBC." The Chilton Booster Club accepted their first major project recently. The project is to supply the softball diamonds at the high school with safety nettings. Each safety net will cost approximately $7500, collecting a grand total of about $15,000. When asked about how the CBC will be able to afford this large investment, Mike Barany said, "We hope to raise enough money through various grants, donations and fundraisers to purchase two safety nets to be installed on each of the high school softball diamonds." The boys’ basketball program is also looking for the CBC to sponsor their post-season camps. The Booster Club believes extra camps should be offered to the athletes in all sports. Corey Behnke, boys’ varsity basketball coach, asked CBC to sponsor a varsity basketball tournament this summer. Mr. Bruckner added, "After only eight months, the club is achieving many things based on the dedicated efforts of a strong and willful group of parents, community members and local businesses who have sacrificed their time and energy to make it a success."