ROCKINGHAM — With the Richmond Senior High School athletic department’s fall schedule now in full swing, Raider fans have the opportunity to support all of the school’s student-athletes.
The Richmond County Raider Booster Club, which was founded in 1972 along with the inception of the school, is currently run by former state champion defensive end and Richmond graduate Patrick Chappell.
“The Booster Club was established with the purpose of promotion, encouragement and support of all phases of athletics at Richmond Senior High School,” Chappell shared. “As president since 2010, the Booster Club has worked very closely with Richmond and its athletic director to fulfill the needs of all athletic sports at the high school and local middle schools.”
It’s no secret that Friday night lights draw the biggest crowd and highest gate sales in Richmond County, but there are nearly 20 other athletic programs at the high school that need additional funding and support throughout the school year. The need for new equipment, uniforms and other sport-specific gear is alleviated by the Booster Club.
As noted by Chappell, there are several ways for Richmond County residents and supporters of the Raiders to participate in making sure that all programs get what they need. He explained the best value for supporters is to purchase an annual Booster Club membership for $50 a person, which grants admission to all RSHS athletic events, save for varsity football games and any playoff games (for all sports).
The Booster Club also sells advertising spots on the “Fabulous 50” board located near the east end zone of Raider Stadium. For the price of $350 per slot, names of individuals or local businesses can be added, with each purchase getting two season tickets for football. Football stadium signs can also be purchased through the Booster Club that advertise within the stadium.
Individual programs also have their own sponsorship boards such as the Grand Slam Club for baseball, the Home Run Club for softball, the Slam Dunk Club for basketball, the Upper 90 Club for soccer and the Heavy Hitters Club for volleyball.
Interested parties looking to support any of these programs can contact the head coach of the desired sport or RSHS athletic director Rob Ransom.
“All of the Booster Club proceeds go toward the athletic programs that generally don’t have strong attendance,” Chappell explained. “Football is self-sufficient from the gate sales, however, sports such as volleyball, tennis, wrestling and soccer are the ones where the funds are allocated.
“Not only is this a great value and money saver, but all proceeds go toward making all of our athletic programs the very best in the state,” he concluded.
Booster Club membership passes are on sale now and can be purchased in the front office at Richmond. Around the community, passes can be purchased in Rockingham at Family Pharmacy and Medical Center Pharmacy, Mabry’s Drug and Home Care in Hamlet and Ellerbe Pharmacy.