Being new to the Tri-Valley Sports arena, there are things I am learning every day that I didn’t know just having lived here for the past four years. One of those things is that when it comes to Tri-Valley High School football, the teams have support like I have not had the pleasure of seeing before. Of course, when it comes to school sports the biggest fans are by far the parents of the players but the parents in Tri-Valley take it a few steps further. A group of Tri-Valley High School football parents started the 12th Man Club which now consists of parents of present and previous High School football players as well as supporters.
Now, don’t get me wrong, any level of support a parent can give a player is greatly appreciated but the 12th Man Club is taking it to epic proportions. Over the years the club has done a lot of good including partnering to purchase turf for the field, paying for the Halliburton Building (Locker Rooms, Offices, and Weight Room), they purchased video equipment for the press box and end zones (with computers and an Ipad), all of the decorative signage that surrounds the field, 25 second clocks at both ends of the stadium, pads for the goal posts, apparel and equipment for the team and coaches (excluding shoulder pads and helmets purchased by the school), all the weights in the Halliburton weight room, all the signs and decorations in the Halliburton facility, linemen sleds and chutes with other football training equipment, and food… lots of food. The 12th Man club feeds the boys from the team every chance they get, they even provide snacks during film review sessions.
President of the 12th Man Club Brad Richert stated: “We are proud to help work with the Tri-Valley Football program and provide them with a first-class environment to play high school football.”
Some of you may be wondering how the 12th Man Club can afford to do all of the things they do, the answer is you! The club organizes several different fundraisers throughout the year to keep the ball moving forward. It takes the support of the community as well as the football parents to make things like this possible. The club is run by volunteers and they are always looking for new members.
The 12th Man Club will be holding their Annual Kick-Off Dinner on Saturday, August 18 at the IBEW Hall in Nashport. Tickets are $30 per person, which includes a full catered dinner and drinks. For more information about the dinner or how to become a member contact Kelly Lawler at 740-819-4562 or tvcoachkelly@gmail.com
