Wharton Weight Room in Need of Facelift

The weight room worked just fine when was built in 1997. Back then the football program was in its infancy. 

"All the equipment is original from 12 years ago and, with all the budget cuts, we haven't had any money to replace some of the older equipment," said volunteer parent John Nold.

Both of Nold's sons played Wildcat football. His oldest, Blake, graduated in 2010, while his younger son, Gabe, is going into his junior year.

Nold has made it a personal mission to raise the funds for the weight room renovation. "Trying to get 60 kids through weight room sessions is just too crowded," he said.

Nold got a bid on the project for $57,000 and has since set about trying to raise the money.

It's a high bar and a project that could only be undertaken by someone with a deep, vested interest in Wildcat football. John Nold seems to be that guy.

He got a big hand from the athletic booster club in the form of $10,000, but according to Nold, "we still have a long way to go."

They raised another $2,000 by selling cookie dough tubs, and now they are turning their eyes toward corporate sponsors.

"We have all different levels of sponsorship for individuals or businesses," Nold said.

Nold and the Wildcats would like to see the community and local businesses step up to the plate and help this team secure what they need to continue to put a quality product on the football field.

Nold can be reached at (813) 431-4134 or john.nold@gfs.com.