Diary of a Wolverine: Raising Sports Funds Will Be Harder Without 'Spirit Packs'

High school sporting programs have become used to constant change: Athletes come through for four years and, after that, a new class of athletes comes in to fill their place. With that in mind, coaches are always pressed to develop their lower levels and plan ahead so that their program may be successful for years to come. Now, coaches are posed with the challenge of planning ahead a different way.

Although my knowledge of the recent ACLU ruling is limited, the bottom line for me as an athlete is that sports programs can’t charge for “spirit packs” anymore. As long as I have been at Aliso, almost every program has charged for a “spirit pack” in order to raise funds. Each student would get a couple T-shirts, their own jerseys, a sweatshirt, a backpack, and other miscellaneous fun things. If you were a varsity athlete, you got a few more accessories. While we did get those things for our fees, we paid a lot more than they were worth and the difference went to the program.

Now, without the ability to charge for spirit packs, the program is cutting back drastically on its expenses. While the volleyball program has saved some money coming into the season, it is looking at a tough road ahead. The district provides very minimal funds for supplies and only two coaching stipends. Volleyballs, nets, jerseys, and additional coaches (any legitimate program needs at LEAST three or four) all cost money that we don’t have coming in anymore.

In the high school social sphere, the additional varsity items were always a sign of status (as stereotyped as that is). We took pride in our gear, and the day gear was distributed was always likened to Christmas. This year we will have to do without.

Just to clarify: I’m not bitter. I have more Aliso gear after three years in four different sports than I will ever know what to do with. I don’t mean to come across as whiny and ungrateful; I’m still excited to have the ability to compete in high school athletics. I understand the ruling and why it came down as it did. It’s a new aspect that coaches and administrators will have to work with.

Unfortunately, the school system isn’t hyperpluralistic, and doesn’t have the financial means to accommodate everyone. While I honestly feel the volleyball program has strong leadership and will be fine, I can only imagine the drastic effect this is going to have on the higher budget sports — notably football and boys basketball.

In the end, I have faith in the volleyball program’s ability to triumph and succeed in spite of this! The ruling will only affect other fun, “fluff” in high school sports. Our teams won’t let this affect us on the court. We are still looking forward to a successful season!

Have a good week!

Greg

If you have questions or comments about me or anything involving Aliso Niguel High School, feel free to e-mail me at gregjwilliams1@gmail.com.

Editor's note: If you are a student at Dana Hills High and would like to write a weekly "Diary of a Dolphin" column for Laguna Niguel Patch, contact sports editor Bob Rohwer at bob.rohwer@patch.com.