By By Jodi Badder / Special to Daily News
The athletic boosters have had a busy fall thus far.
They sold 50/50 tickets at the football games, had a field goal kick each Friday night home football game, sold blankets for those colder nights, and helped with the Celebration Graduation Tailgate Party prior to the Niles football game.
The group is gearing up for the winter season with basketball, volleyball and wrestling starting soon.
Tom Carlson was re-elected as the president of the group at the August kickoff meeting. Laurie Ferrier remains the secretary and Jodi Badder continues in the treasurer role.
The Booster Club continues to use any unclaimed or donated money for the Booster Club Athletic Scholarships that are awarded each May at the All Sports Banquet. This year, they have been fortunate enough to have two people donate 50/50 winnings to this fund. Thank you to both of them for their contribution.
The boosters would also like to extend a big thank you to Fryman's Construction and Judd Lumber for sponsoring the half-time Field Goal Kick for this season.
Some of the items that the Club has recently purchased for the athletic programs are towels, portable drinking fountains, and probably the most recognizable item this winter will be a new track and field and cross country record board to be displayed in the gym at Union.
The Boosters are in the process of seeking donations or pledges for padded chairs to be used during volleyball and wrestling matches as well as athletic programs. These chairs are the same as the ones currently used in the new Dowagiac Middle School. They will be black with orange padding and have the Chieftain logo.
If you are interested in pledging for one or more of these chairs, contact the athletic office at 782-4470. Each chair will cost $60. The boosters are asking for a $30 pledge and then will match each pledge received.
The goal is to purchase 80-100 chairs.
Deadline for pledges is Nov. 15.
All those pledging for chairs will be recognized in the Winter and All Sports Programs.
The next meeting of the Athletic Booster Club will be Monday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. in the athletic office. Please plan to attend and bring a friend.