Union Pines Athletic Booster Club
Spring Newsletter March 17th, 2024
Update from Our President
Union Pines Athletic Booster Club: Transforming Facilities, Empowering Athletes
Dear Union Pines Athletic Community,
As we step into Spring, the Union Pines Athletic Booster Club takes great pride in reflecting on the incredible journey we've embarked on since taking charge in September 2022. Our singular focus on capital improvements has resulted in a series of transformative projects, elevating our athletic facilities to new heights.
Completed Capital Improvement Projects:
1. New Audio Systems: Our commitment to enhancing the game-day experience led to the installation of state-of-the-art audio systems at the main stadium, baseball field, and softball field.
2. Softball Stadium Upgrade: In a bid to prioritize safety and comfort, we replaced aging and hazardous foul line fencing at the softball stadium. This upgrade also saw an increase in seating capacity and practice areas.
3. Perry Weather System: Player safety is paramount. We invested in the Perry Weather System to keep players and coaches informed about potentially dangerous weather conditions, ensuring a secure environment.
4. HUDL Filming and Unlimited Assist: To empower all sports teams, we purchased and subscribed to HUDL filming, providing unlimited assistance for refining skills and strategies.
5. New Gator ATV for Athletic Trainer: Our athletic trainer received a new Gator ATV, enhancing their mobility and efficiency in supporting our student-athletes.
6. Beach Volleyball Courts: The Booster Club proudly constructed beach volleyball courts, not only for club beach volleyball but also to host tournaments, generating additional revenue for our athletic programs.
7. Video Board Jumbotron and Scoreboard: An exciting addition to our main stadium, the state-of-the-art video board jumbotron and scoreboard not only enhance game nights but also serve as a revenue generator through advertisements and commercials. In the fall alone, it generated over $20,000!
8. Practice Field Expansions - Phase 1: Phase 1 of our practice field expansions saw approximately 5 acres cleared for an additional practice field, a 3/4 size practice field, and a revamped layout of existing practice fields for better space utilization.
9. Main Gym Audio System Repairs: We recently completed adjustments and repairs to the audio system in the main gym, ensuring optimal sound quality for indoor events.
10. Phase 2 of Practice Fields: We recently completed the install of home court for our discuss and shotput athletes.
Upcoming Projects:
1. Phase 3 of Practice Fields: Building on our success, we're gearing up for Phase 3 of practice field expansions to further enhance our training facilities. Will include irrigation, top soiland seeding for the athletic fields as well as gravel road to access other fields
2. New Press Box at Main Stadium: Construction is in motion for the construction of a new press box at the main stadium, promising improved functionality and aesthetics. Scheduled to be completed in May.
3. Weight Room Expansion: Aiming to meet the growing needs of our athletes, we plan to expand and modernize the weight room.
4. Locker Room Renovations: Renovations and repairs to the indoor locker rooms at the gym are on the horizon to create a more comfortable and modern space for our student-athletes.
5. Concession Stand Renovations: Enhancements are planned for the interior concession stand at the main gym, improving the overall fan experience.
Community Support and Involvement:
In addition to facility enhancements, the Booster Club proudly supports outstanding student-athletes by contributing $5,000 in scholarship money- funds that come from the Bobby Purvis Memorial Golf Tournament. We also stand with our coaches, athletic director, and student-athletes by covering 50% of the game field maintenance costs.
Our recent inaugural RiseUp Gala was a resounding success, raising $48,000 for our athletic department. Thanks to the overwhelming support, we divided this among the 19 Varsity teams, and each program received $2,526.31, exceeding our initial projections.
Get Involved:
As we look ahead, many more exciting projects and fundraisers are in the pipeline. We invite you to join us at our regular meetings on the second Monday of each month. Your involvement is crucial as we continue to grow and enhance our athletic facilities at Union Pines. Together, let's make 2024 a year of even greater achievements!
Thank you for your unwavering support.
Sincerely,
Travis A Greene
President, Union Pines Athletic Booster Club
VIKING STRONG!
Senior Nic Mascolino- Wrestling State Champion
Union Pines Team Wrestling State Champion
Christian Hackett- High Jump State Champion
Junior Brock Sullivan- Wrestling State Champion
Viking Athletes Sign to College Programs
Union Pines' Ethan Biggs, left, signed to play football and run track at UNC Pembroke, and Braydon Muhly, right, signed to run cross country at King University.
Want to help us plan? Email upboosterclub@gmail.com to get information on joining the Casino Night/Reverse Raffle Committee!
Did you know that Concession Sales are the single biggest constant source of revenue for UPHS Athletic Boosters? We are projected to profit over $50,000 in sales from our home game concessions stands, this school year alone. That is double what the county budget for Union Pines Athletics is (and divided by 37 sports teams, we need all the support we can get). We still have 77% of our Spring Concession sign ups open. Please review our link and sign up to volunteer with us today!
Advocacy Corner
To help you stay connected to the big scope of Moore County Schools, UPHS Athletic Booster Club is adding an Advocacy Corner to our newsletter. Union Pines High School was built in 1964 and is the oldest of the 3 Moore County High Schools. We currently house 326 students over our building's capacity, and along with Pinecrest, both high schools need increased capacity and modernizing. This high school issue is currently in the top 3 of MCS' Master Facility Priority List. The top priority will benefit UP as well, as the district plans to replace the gymnasium bleachers and auditorium curtains and rigging at all 3 MCS high schools to meet OSHA standards. The district is in the process of determining the course of action for the overcrowding of UP and PC- whether to expand and modernize each campus or modernize existing facilities and build a 4th high school. It is important all stakeholders (that is YOU- parents, tax paying citizens and voters!) stay engaged, informed and are able to advocate for action that you believe to be the best course of action!