The Pipestone Arrows The Athletic Booster Club gives PAS student-athletes a head start.
The club leadership consists of Marci Mahik (President), Megan Moeller (Vice President), Kyle Caskey (Treasurer) and Mark Mahik (Secretary).
Meetings are normally held on the first Wednesday of each month from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Pipestone County Courthouse, located in the basement.
The Pipestone Arrows Athletic Booster Club provides support. (Contributed graphic)
“It’s a privilege and an honour to be part of a club that positively influences our children and then shows us the impact we have made,” said Mahik. “As with any club, it takes many dedicated people with the same passion to make it successful.”
Marci Mahik reported that there are currently 11 members and there is always room for more.
“We are looking for about five new members,” she continued. “Members’ responsibilities include attending monthly meetings from September through May and preparing/serving food three to four times per season.”
Anyone can become a sponsor as long as he or she is 18 years old. Each member receives a club jacket from SoJo’s Sportswear and Embroidery and an activity pass.
The support association ensures community spirit among Arrow fans, parents and even PAS faculty. Local businesses donate or provide food at discounted prices.
Last year was a successful year with purchases totaling over $10,000, of which $2,000 was earmarked for the PAS Summer Acceleration Program to improve student-athlete performance.
Arrow Football benefited from two Tackling Hedgehogs and four Tackling Wheels.
There was a spotting block and parallel bars for gymnastics, Accu-Spike and Catch-It for the volleyball team, portable nets, two ball mowers and a rebounder for the boys’ and girls’ tennis teams, and a portable launch monitor for the boys’ and girls’ golf teams.
“They are very helpful,” said James Skyberg, head coach of the PAS boys and girls tennis teams.
The Pipestone Arrows Athletic Booster Club provided the ball mower seen in this July photo. (Photo by Eric Viccaro)
Skyberg said it is beneficial for Arrow Tennis to have an organization providing additional funding. The ball mowers have significantly increased training efficiency, as demonstrated during summer clinics.
Arrow honors went to Will DeBates and Madison Purdin (above right). (Contributed photo by Jamie Fenicle)
In addition, sponsors are responsible for team banners and scholarships. In the 2023-24 academic calendar, the recipients were Naomi Wallace, Will DeBates, Madison Purdin, Jackson Morgan and Jenna Boeke. Wallace will be on the track and field team at the University of Northwestern in Roseville this year.
Jenna Boeke and Jackson Morgan received Arrow Spirit scholarships. (Contributed photo by Jamie Fenicle)
One of the highlights of the Pipestone Arrows Athletic Booster Club each year is the awarding of scholarships to student athletes. Naomi Wallace was honored with the All-Arrow award. The awards ceremony took place on May 24th in the school auditorium. (Photo by Jamie Fenicle)
Thanks to an idea from Marci Mahik, the fan club now holds a so-called “Sports Drive & Revive” event before each season – the last one at the end of July in collaboration with SoJo’s.
“We still have quite a lot left,” says SoJo employee Leann Bloemendaal, especially sports-specific shoes.
Bloemendaal said these drives are a must to donate used items to those in need. SoJo’s has a dedicated merchandise section for these items.
“I think it’s great for the community,” she said. “Money is tighter. We have extra (goods) that someone else can use. I think it’s a great idea. We get stuff on a weekly basis.”
For information about the Pipestone Arrows Athletic Booster Club and membership, email: [email protected].
