Catoctin Sports Boosters Making a Difference for Cougar Athletes

Alisha Yocum

Many in the community may attend sporting events at Catoctin High School (CHS), but they may not know and understand the importance of the Catoctin Sports Boosters and the role they play for Cougar athletes.

Catoctin Sports Boosters, Inc. is a nonprofit that assists and supports athletics programs at CHS. Through sponsorships, donations, and concession sales, the Boosters raise funds to help cover the growing costs associated with high school sports. Those funds are used to purchase uniforms, equipment, software and film subscriptions, pay tournament fees, and any additional expenses that may arise.

Membership & Meetings

There is a $10.00 yearly fee to become a member of the organization. Meetings are on the third Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. in the CHS cafeteria. While anyone is welcome to attend, members receive a monthly email that includes meeting minutes and the agenda for the upcoming meeting.

Understanding the Costs

While families pay registration fees to Frederick County Public Schools—currently $185 per sport and gate fees of $7.00 for adults to attend games—those funds do not go directly to CHS athletic programs.

High schools rely heavily on their Boosters organizations to supply the bulk of athletic funding. As an example, a dozen baseballs now cost approximately $110. Football helmets must be reconditioned annually for safety, at a cost of about $10,000 per year. Film subscriptions and recording software can exceed $1,500 per season.

How Fundraising Works

Fundraising efforts operate on two levels: individual team fundraisers and Boosters-led fundraisers.

Each sports team is permitted two in-season fundraisers and one out-of-season fundraiser during the school year, with no limit during the summer months.

Teams can use the funds raised at their discretion, but it may include things like team apparel or pre-game dinners.

The Catoctin Sports Boosters-led fundraisers, which include concessions and sponsorships, are used across all athletics. Many times, these funds are used to assist programs with making larger purchases. The Boosters recently helped CHS Wrestling with the purchase of new mats, which cost $12,000.

The Importance of Volunteers

While the Catoctin Sports Boosters Board manages much of the organization’s operations, volunteers are critical, especially when it comes to running the concession stand. Each team is required to cover concession shifts, but securing volunteers has become increasingly difficult in recent years. When shifts go unfilled, the Boosters lose valuable revenue that directly benefits student athletes.

Balancing Athletics & Academics

Support for CHS athletics extends beyond the playing field. During the fall season, 105 student-athletes earned Minds in Motion certificates by maintaining a 3.25 GPA or higher—a testament to the dedication of Catoctin’s athletes in both academics and sports.

Boosters leaders say those students deserve access to quality equipment and facilities to match their hard work.

Looking Ahead: A New Weight Room

The Catoctin Sports Boosters have set its sights on a new project: upgrading the CHS weight room. The space, which serves all athletic programs, is in need of renovation and updated equipment. The project will come at a significant cost, and the organization has already begun planning additional fundraising efforts to help offset expenses.

For the 2026-2027 sports season, the Boosters will offer enhanced sponsorship perks, including social media advertising on Facebook and Instagram, recognition on Gametime radio, game tickets, spirit wear, potential signage at athletic fields, and more.

Community members and businesses interested in sponsoring the Boosters are encouraged to watch for sponsorship letters in the coming months and review the available levels of support, or you may email CatoctinBoosters@gmail.com.

To learn more and to help support The Catoctin Sports Boosters, please visit catoctinboosters.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Catoctin Boosters Board Members (from left), Mike Valentine, Jenn Cregger, Carrie Blair-Shives, Jen McCallion, and Shannon Bair.