In order to have a successful football program, teams require a lot of support from their community.
There are expenses and needs that the school system may not supply associated with traveling and eating. There are individual needs that coaches and players have, and sometimes there is just the need for labor.
That’s what the Quarterback Club does for the Newcastle Racers football team.
Club President Gerald (Boomer) Elcyzyn said Newcastle’s club is a school-sanctioned Quarterback Club that fits this need. He said they are responsible for team meals, outings, and the end-of-the season banquet.
Their goal is to have 100% parental involvement, and membership is pretty strong, but as with any organization, they have not met their membership goal.
Elcyzyn is joined as a Quarterback Club board member by: Marsha Barry, vice president; Tommi Ledoux, secretary; and Rebecca Barbee, treasurer.
“We are a group of members who come from the community made up of businesses and parents to help the football program from middle school to high school,” Boomer said. “It’s been going on for at least 20 years.”
Boomer said when he came to Newcastle, Danny Higginbottom was running the club, and then Jay Gower took over. Now it’s his turn.
“We try to help out with any of the player’s needs, coach’s needs, and we feed the boys, help provide travel expenses, and supply any extra equipment the school doesn’t provide,” he said.
Boomer said the Quarterback Club is always on the hunt for new members, including businesses that would help sponsor the Racers.
“It takes a village to support the football team. We average around 85-90 players on the high school team,” he said. “When the high school travels or feeds on game days, we feedaround100people.Usually thesemealsaredonatedbyone of our local churches. We are blessed that our local churches help feed the team on home and away games.”
Boomer said club members have made bonds with the athletes on the team. He said if they have any problems, they can come talk to members and they will do what they can.
“Sometimes we talk with the players and just be there for them if they need help,” he said.
The Quarterback Club is always raising money. Their biggest fundraiser of the year is banner sales. Sponsorships are sought from any local business or individual. The banners are placed along the fence for all varsity, junior varsity, and youth games. They’ve had other local entities help them, as well.
Boomer said, “We’ve been helped by the Newcastle Casino when they do their hamburger sales. They usually do two sales per year. We’re always accepting donations.”
How to Join
One can join the Newcastle Quarterback Club for a $25 fee. These funds go directly into expenses incurred by the club for the teams. Email racerqbclub@ gmail.com.
