Sports at Lawrence E. Jones Middle School Makes a Comeback

Teachers and the principal at Lawrence E. Jones Middle School said this year — after perennial district budget cuts stripped seventh and eighth graders of all sports at the shuttered Mountain Shadows and Creekside middle schools — there's a more positive vibe in the air.

When Larry Jones was formed last year, there was no district funding for sports for the third year in a row, but the Middle School Athletic Boosters Club was able to raise $4,000 to bring back track and field.

This year, howeer, the Jaguars are out in full force. The boosters raised a staggering $40,000, and launched boys and girls basketball, wrestling, volleyball and track and field.

"This year feels really different than last year, like it's more in place," said Principal Laurie Mason."Sports brings a sense of pride, and kids love being able to compete with other schools and root for a team."

Nicole Lahee, a parent volunteer who has an eighth grade daughter at Lawrence Jones and also heads the boosters, said raising the money was a feat.

"We knew we had to go to the district with enough money to pay for the sports all year," Lahee said. "It helped that a couple big fundraisers we had brough in quite a bit of money."

Lahee said boosters raised the most money ($18,000) at this year's fireworks booth, outside 49er Pet at the Southwest Shopping Center. The rest comes from smaller fundraisers, such as a Jagathon (Jaguar walkathon) and selling spirit-wear for the students to wear.

"We're funding everything — transportation on buses, coaches, uniforms," Lahee said. "It's so amazing sports is back — it's important for kids to be active, to learn to work as a team and to build memories as they get older."

"It was important to all of us, we knew it had to be done," she added.

Though Tuesday night's girls basketball game against Petaluma was a loss, the girls said they they're having fun and they're not giving up.

"I like being a part of something," said Riley Michaels, 13, after Tuesday night's game. "My brother plays too, and I really like being able to hang out with my friends."

Ta Lopes, 13, said she loves the physical part.

"Basketball is fun for me, and it gives me exercise," Lopes said.

Rachel Sousa, also 13, said she's been playing for years, so when she heard about the Jaguars, she had to try out.

"We could do better next time," Sousa said. "But I love basketball."

Editor's note: Track uniforms were donated by small business owner Mark Pippin, who owns Innovative Screen Printing in Rohnert Park. The boosters are seeking parent volunteers who can help this year, and parents who can take over next year, since most of current boosters' kids will be moving on to high school. If you are interested, or know someone who might be, email Nicole Lahee at nlahee74@hotmail.com or Angela Hart at angela.hart@patch.com.