Marble Falls Athletic Booster provides assistance to the Mustangs, Lady Mustangs during standout year

CAPTION: The Marble Falls Middle School weight room is receiving more equipment to help players better prepare for being a high school athlete. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro

The Marble Falls Athletic Booster Club has a pivotal role in providing an invaluable assist to the athletic department at Marble Falls Independent School District. And like many players whose assists are most enjoyed by those who score, booster club leaders appreciate the acknowledgement but don’t work harder in order to get praise.

Instead, club president Shannon Roberts noted, the leaders are motivated by being presented with departmental needs and coming through in the clutch.

“We’re definitely motivated for what they want to do,” she said. “Coaches spent the money wisely and well.”

The projects included purchasing new plates and bars for the middle school weight room, new hurdles and sweat suits for the track team, baseball pitching machines, EvoShield helmets, a Hack Attack Pitching Machine, new baseballs, 25 equipment bags, refurbishing the home dugout and a new air conditioner in the locker room, and windscreens for the bleachers all for Scearce Baseball Field, and new screens at the Charlie and Nancy Herrington Tennis Center.

“We wanted to take care of all of them,” said Roberts, who didn’t release how much was spent because those final numbers are still being tallied. “We did supplement (road) meals in the spring. We had more teams that went to the playoffs and played longer.”

She also noted that others stepped up to help raise money for their campuses either by organizing concessions during spring events or simply going to families and explaining the importance of a donation, no matter the size. The president was especially happy to see club leaders whose primary campus is Marble Falls Middle School take it upon themselves to raise funds for the needs there that included new cheer outfits and uniforms.

“They worked,” Roberts said. “We all have to work to raise money together. We have to all help each other. I feel like we’re all fundraisers.”

And most importantly to the leaders, she added, the coaches have spent the money the club raised for the school year.

“Ten percent will go back to the general fund and to help Olympic sports,” the president said,

And just like numerous MFISD families, the booster club enjoyed seeing the Mustangs and Lady Mustangs win four district titles during the 2022-23 school year and two runner-up finishes in two other sports as well as a state title in powerlifting.

“It makes me very proud as a booster club,” Roberts said. “We’ve tried to help as many and as much as we can to support them. And we’re going to try to do our best no matter what happens (in each sport). We’re here to love and support you, no matter what. If we can help in any inkling of the way, that’s pretty cool.

“We want success across the board,” she added. “We were able to have the booster club help to supplement. I feel like we’ve done so much, and all the sports have benefited. These kids will go on in life. I want all of these parents and kids to feel like they’re important. If we can help them as a booster club, that’s exciting.”

The leaders are planning events for the 2023-24 school year that includes Meet the Mustangs in August and January, a membership drive and selling ads for the varsity football program. Roberts noted some expenses are an annual commitment such as replacing apparel and equipment in most sports because of wear and tear in order to better protect the athletes.

“Marble Falls is a fund-raising beast,” she said. “We are competitive in every sport. It’s for our athletes. That’s where it’s always been. We have a great group of people. I’m so thankful.”

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