Support high school athletics

High school football kicked off Friday in the Imperial Valley and it was a welcome spectacle.

From fresh cut grass, bands playing, squads cheering and parents supporting, it signaled the official kickoff to a school year full of sports, competition, championships, goals and so much more.

For many, sports are life, a passion, a means to an education and for a select few, a professional career.

But in order for these athletic teams to focus on their goals, they have expenses like equipment, transportation, etc.

In past years, schools have faced big budget cuts, mainly from their sports programs.

In the early 1990s, Gov. Pete Wilson cut $2 billion from school budgets. Because of that, schools districts had to decide where to cut from their budgets, some from athletics programs.

Since then, budgets haven’t really been further cut or expanded, but cost of equipment, transportation and other expenses have gone up.

Central Union High School Principal Craig Lyon gave a small example: football helmets cost about $125 a few years ago, and have gone up by more than $100.

Thus, fundraising and booster clubs have become vital to helping sports programs raise money for equipment and other expenses.

So, when you decide to head out to a game, pay for admission, buy snacks and participate in 50/50 raffles, you’re directly helping your school raise money for athletics expenses.

Go watch a volleyball match or a football game and enjoy some snacks. When you do, rest easy knowing you are directly supporting your school, as well as a student’s passion that could lead to an education or career and overall, helping to improve your community.