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Parents Huddle Up to Keep High School Sports Afloat

2/7/10

NIPOMO -- Budget cuts have become a recurring frustration for student athletes, their coaches and parents.

The governor's January budget proposal does not provide any relief and that's why parents are already huddling up, trying to come up with the right play to keep high school sports afloat.

"It's terrorizing, absolutely terrorizing," said Rosie Larson, president of the Nipomo High School Booster Club.

For the parents of student athletes, it is about much more than a game.

"The sports are just a part of student growth, it's so important and it also it helps students to interact with each other," said Larson.

In the midst of drastic budget cuts, members of high school booster clubs are working harder than ever, from the sidelines.

"Right away boosters think, okay we're going to have more cuts, what does this mean? We're going to have to try and raise more money," said Larson.

Laurie Decker, Nipomo High School Athletic Director, says the school's booster club has had a huge impact on the program.

"Frankly, this year our NHS Boosters has helped keep us afloat, it's been invaluable," said Decker.

Nearly half of the students at Nipomo High School play a sport.

"Every morning the reason why I come to school is to play sports, it's a big part of my life," said Jessica Miller, a student athlete.

They have felt the financial blows the athletic department has suffered.

A 12% cut from its budget, this school year alone, which is about $42,000.

"We had to maybe not travel to tournaments like we used to, we had to cut back transportation, we had to cut stipends for coaches," said Decker.

The Paso Robles School District has already announced, it's facing a $7.4 million budget gap, this coming school year.

A 50% cut to the athletic budget is on the table.

"I think it's always tough, whenever you hear cuts," said Ione Harrington, a member of the Paso Robles High School Booster Club. "It doesn't matter if it's in performing arts, academics, sports, it's always hard and nobody wants to see their program go."

Understanding that more cuts are inevitable, booster clubs are coming up with a game plan.

"This year we introduced a half marathon, we did it at a vineyard," said Dave Lambert, president of the Paso Robles High School Booster Club. "Instead of the same old things, we're going to have to introduce new things to raise the money."

They are channeling their frustrations, so the activities that are so important to their children, do not fall by the wayside.

"I love practice, like bettering myself in both athletics and as a person," said Devon Lambert, a student athlete.

Another example of fallout from the fiscal crisis is a recent decision by the Los Padres League.

The league is doing away with freshman sports, starting this fall.

League members felt it was the only way to cut costs to save sports, across the board.