They are all about having the latest equipment, concession supplies, even organizing volunteer line judges for student athletes.
They are the parents behind thee booster clubs at LMPS (Lakeland Middle Preparatory School) who are tasked with raising funds for student players and purchasing equipment the teams might not otherwise have.
Spokesmen for Football, Soccer and Volleyball Booster Clubs share details about their organizations and contributions to the teams.
LMPS Touchdown Club
Teresa Ford is the president of the LMPS Touchdown Club. She says the purpose of the Club is to make sure the players have all and everything they need for a safe and fun season. “The booster also provides coaches with equipment needed throughout the season for the players to use during practice. We work closely with the coach to ensure the players have what they need especially during the hot practice days.
The Middle School football team has 55 varsity and JR players.
LMPS Touchdown Club Officers
President – Teresa Ford
Vice President\Secretary – Amy Roberson
Treasurer – Stacey Cartwright
Concessions Manager – Jalinda Slaton
Sponsorship Representative – Ashley Red
Fundraising Coordinator – Andrea Valentine
Special Events Coordinator – Monica Pitts
Fund-raising for the Club starts in the spring to provide monies for summer practice. The goal for the Touchdown Club is to have all fundraising completed as the football season begins. “That provides funds needed for concessions and spirit wear purchases. Each year the Booster organization has tremendously improved and grown, said Mrs. Ford.
“Spirit wear is part of our fundraising. We have shirts, hats, head bands and tanks. We have done especially well with spirit wear. Concessions have more than doubled from last year with Baby Jacks BBQ nachos and sweet tea as two of many items on the menu.”
So what do the earnings mean to the team? “The LMPS Touchdown Club has purchased so much for our players and coach. This year the boosters provided large equipment for the players for practice: a 35-gallon tanker for water during practice and games.
“We are very excited that all equipment to build our locker room was provided by our booster. A huge tunnel for players to run out of before the games. The booster has also purchased everything in the concessions to make this a very successful year.”
Tyler White is head coach with assistants Danny Welch, Michael Posey and Earnest Slaton.
“Our parents have been very supportive with all our fundraisers as well as volunteering in our concessions. We are very lucky to have such a great group of parents,” said Mrs. Ford.
The varsity team was defeated by Arlington Thursday night (8.29.19) 36-30 with JV defeated by Arlington 12-0.
The next football dates are 6:30 p.m. Sept. 3rd, JV only, LMPS vs Crestview at LMPS; and 6:30 p.m. Sept. 5th, LMPS at Fayette Academy in Somerville.
Soccer Booster Club
Teresa Ford is president of the LMPS Soccer Booster Club. The purpose of the Club, according to Treasurer Chrisann Coleman, is to provide equipment for the players and coach.
Officers
President – Teresa Ford
Treasurer – Chrisann Coleman
Secretary – Krista Pearce
“This is the second year for soccer at LMPS, said Mrs. Coleman. “No fundraising was done during the girls’ season last year. The booster club was created during the boys’ season. The boys sold spirit wear and Baby Jack’s BBQ certificates. The girls did the same this year. We will also have a few concession items at the games.”
She said funds are used to provide wish list equipment items for the coach and players.
There are 51 players total on the rostered and select teams, including boys and girls, said Mrs. Coleman. Boys soccer is played in the spring at LMPS. Megan Criner is the head coach.
“In a new program, it is important to fundraise to provide equipment the coach needs for the team so that it can grow and be successful,” said Mrs. Coleman. There are over 100 parents in the Club, she added.
The Lady Lions won Thursday night (8.29.19) against West Collierville 4-2. The next soccer match is at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 3rd against Arlington at LMPS.
LMPS Volleyball Booster Club
David Funk is president of the LMPS Volleyball Booster Club. He says the Club organizes volunteers to help as line judges during matches and work in the concession stand.
“We also raise funds to help purchase equipment. The first year the booster club sold sports tumblers and raised money to help purchase a second net so two courts could be used at the same time.
“This year the booster club built three hitting platforms for the coaches and players to practice hitting and blocking. Our season will end in September.
“Our next fund raiser will focus on helping send the girls on next year’s team to a local summer skills camp. Specific fund raising has not been finalized at this time. Our booster club parents are dedicated to the growth of the program as we start our third season.
There are 21 student athletes who make up an A and B team. The teams are coached by Katy Betts and Lauren Cocroft. The A team is the defending sectional champions. The A team is 4-0 and the B team is 2-2.
Officers
President – David Funk
Vice President – Patti Krepela
Treasurer – Jenifer Loschinskey
Secretary – Kim Funk
Communications – Cindy Brock
Fund Raising – Paula Bandi
Auditor – Tom Stevens
The booster club supports the team by organizing volunteers to help as line judges during matches and work in the concession stand. We also raise funds to help purchase equipment. The first year the booster club sold sports tumblers and raised money to help purchase a second net so two courts could be used at the same time. This year the booster club built three hitting platforms for the coaches and players to practice hitting and blocking. Our season will end in September. Our next fund raiser will focus on helping send the girls on next year’s team to a local summer skills camp. Specific fund raising has not been finalized at this time.”
Mr. Funk added, “Our booster club parents are dedicated to the growth of the program as we start our third season.” He said there are 26 active members in the Club.
The next volleyball game is 5 p.m. Sept. 3rd vs West Collierville Middle School at LMPS.
