The Bartlett High School Lady Panthers have faced some financial challenges caused by a major theft and weather-related field damage, and they are asking for the community’s help.
With the spring just around the corner the Bartlett Lady Panthers are busy with pre-season workouts and have tryouts scheduled later this month. For first year Head Coach Kasey Craddock this is an exciting time, but preparing for the season has had its share of challenges.
Shortly after he was named head coach in the fall of 2017, someone broke into the team’s storage facility and stole most of their practice equipment – including pitching machines, bats, balls, and other gear. It had to be replaced at a great loss to the team.
In addition to the theft, heavy rains and localized flooding damaged and eroded the infield playing surface of Patton Field at W.J. Freeman Park. A new dirt mix was brought in and the entire infield was laser leveled at a substantial cost to the team in order to make it safe and ready for play.
The added financial burdens along with an already tight budget have increased the need for fundraising and community support to keep the program moving forward. The BHS Booster Club is offering a few simple ways for both individuals and businesses to show their support for the girls and the team:
- First is the Kroger Rewards Program. To register for the program simply sign in to your Kroger Plus account, select the option to enroll in Kroger Community Rewards, enter team ID#81463, select “Bartlett Softball” and enroll. Kroger will make a quarterly donation to the program based on the number of registered participants, and participation in the program does not affect an individual’s reward points or privileges in any way. This is an easy way to show your support, and everyone is encouraged to enroll.
- The second option is a sponsorship or donation option. Several sponsor packages are available for businesses at bronze, silver and gold levels, starting at 75 and up and may include ad space on schedules, calendars and/or field sign banners. Individuals wishing to make a donation may also receive recognition as a valued sponsor on the team’s schedule/banners and/ or receive season passes to home softball games at Patton Field for 2018.
For more information on sponsor opportunities or donations, call (901) 301-5132. Deadline for inclusion on calendar and field signs is Feb. 16, so act quickly to support BHS softball.
