Hundreds will gather on the North Field in effort to support the upcoming football season at 6 P.M. on Aug 24. The annual dinner for football and cheer serves as a fundraiser for both sports, as well as a kick off to the new year.

?The main goal apart from fundraising is to create a sense of community around Fresno Christian football Fresno Christian football and all athletics,? Mic Fuller, JV head football coach, said. “Without community the team and program suffers. It is important for players to know their fans are as committed as they are.”

The $15 ticket price includes a tri-tip dinner with rice, salad, fruit and a roll, provided and prepared by parents and faculty. New athletic director, Chris Schultz, expects an attendance of 1,000 people, due to coaches requirements of five tickets sold by each athlete.

“I consider this an easy fundraiser because all the athletes have to do is sell tickets,” Schultz said. “It?s a wonderful event that brings the family of Fresno Christian together to celebrate and recognize our football and cheer teams.?

Coaches expect the crowd to stimulate team spirit because of the increase in attendance.

?It is extremely exciting to see so many people supporting our program, gearing up for the season,? Jon Hall, varsity head coach, said. ?It creates a huge buzz for our school and shows the players the impact football has on a school and community.?

The itinerary for the evening includes the introductions of athletes and a silent auction. Cheer coach Katie Mendenhall finds the acknowledgement of her squad?s accomplishments to be the highlight of the event.

?It gets emotional because I realize how blessed I am when I look at how God has worked in the growth of the cheer program,? Mendenhall said. ?The girls have achieved so much in both cheer and their spiritual lives which makes me very proud to recognize them.?

Many campus cheerleaders understand the significance of the dinner because of the financial benefits.

?We need money to pay for our competitions,? Taryn Brown, senior cheer captain, said. ?The girls work hard, but without support we can?t perform. We are in a new division which will give us more opportunities to compete which makes me extremely excited for this year.?

As the fundraiser night grows closer, so approaches the first home game of the season. Ryan Brunn, senior captain, expresses concern about the impending game against Bakersfield Christian.

?I?m tense because we have a new team of players,? Brunn said. ?The varsity level is more intense and the guys will be challenged. I am anxious to see how the game plays out.

In spite of injuries and size, the team continues to prepare for the game on Aug 31.

?We have been preparing for Bakersfield most of the summer through practice and watching film,? Hall said. ?I am not a nervous person typically; however, our numbers are fairly concerning. It provides stress regarding the health of the team.?

Hall encourages excessive support from students and fans at the Clark Intermediate football field to motivate players.

?I would like to see the student body get more involved,? Hall said. ?It would be great to see the students engaged in the game instead of just walking around and socializing. The crowd makes a big difference. Football is such an emotional game where any and all verbal support can add fuel to the fire.?

JV kicks off at 5:30 with varsity following at 7 P.M. Ticket entry costs $6 for adults and $4 for children and senior citizens. Students with ID cards gain free admission.

To purchase tickets, contact the junior high office by Aug. 20 at (559) 299-1695 ext. 123.