APPLICATIONS DUE BY FEBRUARY 28TH

A Season of Growth, Development, and Building for the Future

A SEASON OF GROWTH, COMMUNITY, AND TEAMWORK

A SEASON OF GROWTH, CLOSE MATCHES, AND LASTING BONDS

2024 OCC CHAMPIONS

2024 OCC TEAM CHAMPIONS

Big Walnut High School Athletics is preparing for another exciting year of athletic competition. The school's esteemed athletic programs, known for their excellence and commitment to student development/success, play a crucial role in the overall educational experience. Over 60%(650 plus students) of the high school's enrollment participates in high school athletics. Our student-athletes perform not only on the athletic surface but also in the classroom, maintaining a group GPA average of 3.2. In recent years, official fees have surged by over 30% and now constitute a third of the high school athletic budget. Additionally, the costs of essential equipment such as balls and basic gear have significantly risen. While only a few out of the 30 teams generate profits through gate and participation fees, those funds are used to support programs that are not self-sustaining. In short, some sports are costly to maintain and cannot support themselves through pay-to- participate fees in isolation. Big Walnut High School athletics is committed to reducing costs for families attending games. Season pass rates have remained unchanged for several years. Single-game tickets will remain at $8 for adults and $5 for students for 2024-25, accepting cash at the gate or purchasing tickets online. Some schools have significantly increased their gate fees to offset the rising costs. The Big Walnut Athletic Booster Club is pivotal in bridging the financial gap through fundraising initiatives, sponsorships, and community partnerships. Their unwavering dedication ensures student-athletes access to necessary equipment, uniforms, team functions, travel expenses, and other essential resources. I am deeply grateful for our Booster Club's efforts, stating, "Our athletes are at the heart of our school spirit and community pride. The generosity and commitment of our Booster Club members are invaluable in maintaining the quality and accessibility of our athletic programs." The funds raised by the Booster Club directly benefit our sports teams, enabling them to focus on training, competition, and personal growth. Coaches and staff emphasize these resources' profound and positive impact on student-athletes, fostering teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills that extend far beyond the playing field. Sincerely, Brian Shelton Big Walnut High School Athletic Director