December 4, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 19 Boosters Club to purchase ‘track tent’ for team Midland Park High School’s track team, which fields more athletes than any other school team, has been hold- ing its meets out of town since last year because the MPHS track is smaller than regulation size and in poor condition. To provide greater visibility for MPHS at these events, the Boosters Club is purchasing a tent, which the organization hopes will foster greater pride in the team and bolster the school’s identity. Midland Park Board of Education Trustee Tim Thomas, who is also a member of the Boosters Club Executive Board, said the custom accordion tent will provide a gath- ering place for parents and other guests who attend the meets. “We have decided on the 10 x 15 model with sidewalls and carry bag,” Thomas said. “Along the front of the tent in sewn-on lettering will be ‘Midland Park Track & Field.’” At a recent board of education meeting, Thomas said the tent would be hunter “Midland Park” green with white lettering and the school’s mascot: a black panther. He said the tent would cost approximately $2,000, adding, “We are currently raising monies to purchase the tent; and will be ordering it in the coming weeks.” Club members hope to have the tent ready when the track season begins in late March. Boosters Club President John Mulligan noted that the track tent was one of the items mentioned by MPHS Prin- cipal Nick Capuano, new Athletic Director Michael Gac- cione, and former AD Peter Galasso as a potential goal for the Boosters. Mulligan said the executive board agreed to take on the project. “It is for a team that has huddled sadly under a small 10’ x 10’ canopy at track meets with cold, wet weather,” The Boosters Club will purchase a custom accordion tent with sidewalls and the school’s mascot logo. Mulligan explained. “This tent/canopy will be more of a commercial construction, and larger, built to accommo- date a team much better, for this year and many seasons to come. “Most of the schools that MPHS competes against have a similar tent, whether home or away. Tim Thomas has worked closely with the school in identifying the size and style desired, and more importantly, has already raised funds through private donations that might cover the entire cost of the item.” The MPHS Athletic Booster Association, commonly referred to as the “Boosters” is a parent volunteer organi- zation that works to support the students and athletic pro- gram at MPHS. The club’s mission is to provide teams, coaches, and student-athletes with the resources and rec- ognition they deserve. The club also works to enhance the teams’ environment and opportunities toward creating a more memorable and rewarding high school experience. The Boosters Club provides awards and plaques, schol- arships, tournament T-shirts, and championship banners. The club also maintains the athletic photo bulletin board and publishes an annual sports journal. In recent years, the club also completely refurbished the high school gym and provided new protective padding. Spirit Week and Pack the House nights are also sponsored by the Boosters. Membership is $15 per person or $25 per family. Anyone interested in learning more is invited to visit the school website, midlandparkschools.k12.nj.us. The club’s major annual fundraiser is a Beefsteak Dinner. The next dinner will be held Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014 at the firehouse on Witte Drive. In addition to dinner, the event will feature a live band and an opportunity to visit with friends and neighbors. Mulligan added that the club is also considering support for the purchase of a new ice maker for the training room. However, he said the club’s leadership is now focusing on the January dinner and the Second Hall of Fame Induction Dinner, which will be held in March.