King Lions in Search of Sponsors

The King Lions need you.

Don’t put on your helmet just yet—they don’t need you on the team. They need you and local businesses to sponsor the team and fill the fences with banners.

The Lions are in a tough spot. Sponsorship has been ebbing while expenses have been mounting. King has participated in a slew of 7 on 7 competitions this year that require different uniforms, driving expenses and time.

The boys held a fund-raising car wash at Gaspar’s this month, but they really need some local businesses to step up to the plate, said team mom Tarshee “Kiki” Jackson.

Jackson will likely have a statue dedicated to her when she finally resigns her post. She is watching her third son, Kim, pass through the ranks of the Lion football team.

Jackson is there for every game, Varsity and JV, and she helps coordinate most of the team’s activities.

“We usually operate on a shoestring budget; this year we might even be in the red,” she said.

Jackson has been with the Lions since 2009 and was a team mom at Tampa Bay Tech prior to her older son coming back to King.

The Lions have more than 30 spots available around Bill Stewart Stadium for large banners to be put up.

“We do everything we can to try to put their business out there,” said Jackson.

Aside from banners, the Lions make PA announcements at every home game, thanking their sponsors and plugging the company name. They are even willing to distribute flyers, or promote specials.

The Lions will host several games at Bill Stewart Stadium this season. Their pre-season home opener against Middleton is on Aug. 26. Then they will host  and Sickles on Sept. 16 and Sept. 23. Next they will host 3A state champion Jefferson on Oct. 14, followed by nationally-ranked, state runner-up Armwood on Nov. 4. They wrap up the season at home against Durant on Nov. 10.

For more information about how to secure your spot at the stadium, call Jackson at 813-850-1137 or e-mail her at te739@aol.com.

“Every sponsor is greatly appreciated,” Jackson said.