BY D. MARK MITCHELL
OPINION —
Every successful high school athletic department has a strong Booster Club to help offset expenses in order to make sure the teams have what is needed to be the best. The items range from nutrition, food (meals), buses to travel long distance, specialized equipment, website support, travel help and the list goes on and on.
As a former board member and officer of Opelika’s All-Sports Booster Club, I know how much money teams need to operate, which is larger than most sports can generate. A strong booster club is vital for Opelika high to be successful.
Opelika High principal Kelli Fisher released a financial statement from last year’s (2023-24) All-Sports Booster Club:
The ASBC balance as of June 2023 was $21,050. The club received $108,866 from sponsors in 2023-24, leaving a balance of $129,715 for athletics. The money was generated sponsorships, game program ads, donations and game program sales.
Opelika’s ASBC expenditures topped $105,000, leaving a balance of $24,668 for the 2024-25 athletic year. The money was spent on each sport’s yearly allocation, Special request by teams, state playoff travel and lodging, ticket and pass printing, game security, facility upgrades, administrative cost, game day program printing cost and press box supplies. No details or line items or officers were mentioned by Mrs. Fisher.
Mrs Fisher released the upcoming seasons booster club sponsor packages. The ASBC offers different options for families, fans, supporters and businesses. The corporate package is listed in this weeks paper.
The All-Sports Booster Club was formed in the late 80’s to help all sports at OMS and OHS, instead of having separate clubs. At the time, OHS football coach Doug Barfield felt it would be best for OHS athletics to form one booster club, offer tickets, program ad, parking passes and athletic passes to lure sponsors to give larger amounts. The original ASBC Borad consisted of President, Vice-President,
secretary, treasure along with six other board members. The ASBC has been without officers for the past
seven years. OHS athletic Director Jamie Williams is over the All-Sports Booster Club.
If interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Mrs. Fisher @ 334-745-9715 Opelika coaches will be able to start their own booster club, such as Quarterback Club for football, Diamond Club for softball or baseball, etc. This will allow individuals that prefer to donate to certain sports instead of all sports. This is an effort to help each team raise money for the upcoming season.
Football coach Bryan Moore started the “Opelika Bulldog QB Club” to support the football program.
Coach Moore’s registration form reads: “The QB Club is a dedicated organization committed to providing essential resources to our football program through various fundraising events and generous donations. By joining our club, you’ll play a crucial role in helping our athletes thrive. As members you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits, including Monthly QB Club meeting, Bulldog Kickoff dinner and club pole and vehicle sticker. The membership strengthens our football program but fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among supporters like you.”
You can join as a single membership for $100 or family membership is $150. To join the Opelika QB Club, call Bryan Moore at (334) 745-9715. Members receive a polo shirt.
SOFTBALL CAMP
July 8-10, Opelika High Softball is hosting a softball camp for ages 6-12 at West Ridge Park. The cost is $60 per camper. Contact Coach Thornton at (334) 745-9715 for more information.
OPELIKA 13U AND 14U ALL STARS IN STATE TOURNAMENT
Opelika’s DBB 13U and 14U all-star teams play in the State Tournament in Greenville this weekend.
Opelika’s 13U all-star team plays the Andalusia A’s Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the Greenville Sports Plex.
The 14U team plays Greenville at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Both teams play in a double-elimination tournament, and the winner advances to the World Series.
D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 910-1319, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.