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OAK RIDGE FOOTBALL 101
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I.Becoming a Member -
By choosing to play football at Oak Ridge High School, you, as well as your player, have become members of the Wildcat Family! We hope this packet of information provided by the Oak Ridge Wildcat Football Booster Club will help you become familiar with the Wildcat football program. We encourage you to volunteer and be involved in your player’s Wildcat career by becoming a member of the Booster Club. Attending monthly meetings is the best way to gain information about team activities. Please do not hesitate to contact any of the Booster Club Officers or other coordinators listed in this guide with questions you may have.
II.Booster Membership
A.Meetings are held ‘year-round’ on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM in the Wellness Room at ORHS (WC100). This is the room on the lowest level immediately beside the parking lot of the Wildcat Arena & Ben Martin Field. Meetings typically last about an hour.
1.We follow Roberts Rules of Order and our agenda each month covers Old Business, New Business, Treasurer’s Report and Coach’s Reports (both varsity and freshman).
2.Everything we do and all monies raised are to support the team!
3.We need everyone’s input and ideas, so please try to come.
4.Packages are available beginning in late Springto all players’ parents with information on joining boosters. There are many levels of membership, so there is a membership category for everyone’s budget.
B.August 1 starts a new Booster year – You must be a member in order to vote on issues, but not to attend meetings and voice your ideas/opinions.
C.FOOD FOR THOUGHT – Your player’s high school football years may be the highlight of his entire high school career. This can be a very special time for them as a player, as well asfor you as a parent. The more you are involved, the more you supportyour player and the team. There are a variety of opportunitiesthat allow us to give our players the best possible experience. Oak Ridge High School football is founded on Excellence, Pride and Tradition. With your help, we can keep Wildcat Football at its best!
III.Elected Officers
A.President – Kevin Bivens, 865-679-5248,
B.Vice President–Jennifer Galloway,
C.Treasurer – Shawna Haste,
D.Secretary – Stacey Arnold,
E.Members-At-Large – Shannon Borchers, Matt Reedy,
F.Volunteer Positions
1.Freshman Class Rep
2.Junior Varsity Class Rep
3.Website Coordinator
4.PowerAde Servers
5.Concessions Supervisor
6.Cat Shack Coordinator/Workers
7.Wildcat Card Coordinator
8.Monday Night Coordinator
9.Thursday Night Meal Coordinator
10.Pregame Meal Coordinator
11.Varsity After Game Meal Coordinators
12.Tailgate Coordinator
13.Upper/Lower Parking Lot Attendant
14.Monday game chains*
15.Monday game Clock Operator*
16.Monday game Public Address Announcer
17.Monday game Spotter
18.Monday concessions*
19.Monday game tickets/rosters at gates*
IV.Game/Scrimmage Schedules & Cancellations –
ONLY Varsity games are signed contracts. Junior Varsity (JV), i.e., Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors that are assigned to this team, and Freshman games and/or scrimmages are verbal agreements between coaches and can be cancelled or postponed at any time. The Varsity contracts are for a home and away (alternating which team is home and which team is away) schedule for a two-year term. The JV and Freshman teams do not participate in playoffs. Although, the JV players are also part of the Varsity team, and some freshman may be asked to dress out for playoff games at the conclusion of the Freshman season.
A.VarsityGame Schedule –
Oak Ridge High SchoolWildcat Football Schedule
2017
Date / Time / Opponent / Location
August 18 / 7:30 PM / Hardin Valley Academy / Oak Ridge
August 25 / 7:30 PM / Kingsport Dobyns-Bennett / Kingsport
September 1 / 7:30 PM / Campbell County / Campbell County
September 8 / 7:30 PM / Farragut / Farragut
September 15 / 7:30 PM / West / Oak Ridge
September 22 / 7:30 PM / Sevier County / Oak Ridge
September 29 / 7:30 PM / Karns / Oak Ridge
October 6 / 7:30 PM / Open
October 13 / 7:30 PM / Clinton / Oak Ridge
October 20 / 7:30 PM / Powell / Powell
October 27 / 7:30 PM / Fulton / Fulton
B.Freshman/JV Game Schedule
2017 FRESHMAN SCHEDULE
Week / Date / Game / Where / Time1 / 8/12 / Powell Jamboree / Powell / 10:00 AM
2 / 8/21 / Hardin Valley Academy / Oak Ridge / 5:30 PM
3 / 8/28 / Maryville / Oak Ridge / 5:30 PM
4 / 9/4 / Clinton / Oak Ridge / 10:00 AM
5 / 9/11 / Farragut / Farragut / 5:30 PM
6 / 9/18 / West / Oak Ridge / 5:30 PM
7 / 9/25 / Campbell County / Campbell Co. / 6:00 PM
8 / 10/2 / Karns / Oak Ridge / 6:00 PM
2017 JUNIOR VARSITY SCHEDULE
Week / Date / Game / Where / Time1 / 8/21 / Hardin Valley Academy / Oak Ridge / 7:00 PM
2 / 8/28 / Maryville / Oak Ridge / 7:00 PM
3 / 9/4 / Clinton / Oak Ridge / 11:30 AM
4 / 9/11 / Farragut / Farragut / 7:00 PM
5 / 9/18 / West / Oak Ridge / 7:00 PM
6 / 9/25 / Campbell County / Campbell Co. / 6:00 PM
7 / 10/10 / Karns / Oak Ridge / 6:00 PM
Combined Freshman/JV Game
V.Coaches and Positions Coached
A.Joe Gaddis - Head Coach
B.Brian Wyatt – Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
C.Jeff Miner – Defensive Coordinator/Inside Linebackers
D.Kwayu Graham – Receivers
E.James Mitchell - Safeties
F.Justin Pace – Outside Linebackers
G.Winston Russell – H Backs
H.John Spratling - Cornerbacks
I.Barry Saunders – Kickers/Special Teams
J.Tyler Jarnigan – Defensive Line/Defensive Ends
K.Chad Hodge – Offensive Line
VI.Support Staff
A.Keith Hyatt – Video Coach
B.Terra Davenport – Athletic Trainer
C.Assistant Student Trainers (CPR and First-Aid Certified) -
Student assistants are an important part of the team that supports the Athletic Trainer and coaching staff by preparing/prepping equipment, turning the water-horse on at the practice field and filling water bottles to aid in player hydration, among other necessary tasks. They are included in activities that the players are involved in – including after game and after practice snacks.
VII.ORHS “WildBand”
A.Director – Spence Milligan
B.Asst. Director – Michael Spirko
VIII.ORHS Cheerleaders
A.Coach – Katie Hess
B.Assistants – Beverly Goodman
IX.ORHS Dance Cats
A.Coach– Pam Keathley
X.When Tickets Go on Sale
A.Ticket Proceeds –
1.Ticket sales are generated by Oak Ridge High School. Profits do not go to support the Wildcat Football Booster Club.
B.Season Tickets -
1.Current season ticket holders are FIRST PRIORITY for season ticket renewals.
2.ONLY for Varsity home games
3.If season tickets are not renewed by the deadline (usually July 31st), they will be available to be purchased by new applicants.
4.Tickets are sold at the ORHS bookkeeper’s office on a first come, first serve basis.
C.Regular Varsity HOME GAME Tickets -
1.May be purchased each week at ORHS Bookkeeper’s office until noon Friday. Then, at the Blankenship entrance gates beginning 2.5 hours prior to kick-off.
2.Varsity Game Ticket Pricing -
a)Regular season Varsity game tickets are approximately $6.
b)TSSAA Playoff game tickets are approximately $8 (prices are mandated by TSSAA).
c)TSSAA Playoff game tickets may be purchased for reserved seating once playoffs have started.
XI.Practice Times
A.Per TSSAA regulations, the last week of June and the first week of July is the mandatory Dead Period. No sports activities can take place during this time. The Dead Period for 2017 is June 24th - July 9th. Thisis the best time to take family vacations, as the players won’t miss any workouts or practice time.
B.Generally, weight training, running, and 7 on 7 drills are conducted in the afternoons between the last day of school and the Dead Period. If you cannot schedule vacation during the Dead Period, this is the next best time to do so. If your player is going to miss during this time, please make sure to inform the coaching staff.
C.The Monday after the Dead Period really kicks off the start of summer practices. Workouts in shirts and shorts will be held during this time until the first day of practice in pads, which is usually the lastMonday of July.
D.Practice times are set by the Coach. During the actual season, they are typically 3:30 – 6:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and 2:15 – 4:45 on Wednesdays.
XII.Helmet Striping
A.Parents and the coaching staff polish and new stripes/logos are placed on the helmets (between lastfall practice and before first game).
B.This is an opportunity for you to leave a note of encouragement in your player’s helmet for them to find before their first game!
XIII.Electronic Communications
A.We’ve found that players don’t do well when it comes to getting information to their parents (either written or orally), so we try to keep everyone informed with both E-mail, text message alerts, and social media (on Facebook at “Oak Ridge Wildcat Football” and our mobile app through TeamApp“ORHS Wildcat Football”). We can send communications to multiple phones and e-mail addresses. Please make sure to provide updated phone numbers and addresses on your “Player Information Form”.
XIV.Free Physicals
A.Each player is required to have his physical prior to practicing.
B.Free physicals are usually offered each year in May.
XV.Activities/Fundraisers
A.June 24th – Pancake Breakfast at Aubrey’s from 8:00 – 10:00 AM. Players will begin selling tickets the mid to late May. Each player sells a minimum of 10 tickets. Money should be turned in to the Booster Club President, Treasurer or coaching staff, as directed.
B.Early July – Wildcat Card sales begin. All players will be required to sell their allotment of cards or turn in the equivalent amount of money. All cards must be accounted for.
C.July 29th – Picture Day (team, position, and individual photos) at Blankenship Field, time TBA.
1.Players get uniforms at ORHS and then come to Blankenship for pictures.
2.Pictures will be made that will be used throughout season – programs, buttons, etc.
D.Blitz Day - Players go out into the community to sell unsold Wildcat Cards, under adult supervision.
E.Mid August – Wildcat Challenge papers go home.
1.The “Boosters” do most of the work for this fundraiser!
2.All we ask players to sign and complete forms with names and addresses of at least 6 people that do not live in this area (i.e., someone you don’t normally ask for donations).
3.Booster Club will stamp and mail the forms to addressees.
4.There will be an incentive for those players who meet the challenge of getting us at least 6 names/address and papers turned back in by due date.
XVI.Buses/Food
A.School buses are used to transport players to games. The buses are provided by the school system. For Varsity games which are an hour or more away, the Booster Club provides funding to upgrade the buses to “motor coaches” at the coach’s discretion.
B.Coaches ask that players ride the bus back home also – not with parents – as they discuss the game as a team and this allows all team members to arrive back at school at same time and turn in their equipment.
C.The Booster Club provides meals for the Varsity players after the walk-through on Thursday evening. Usually hosted/provided by a local church.
D.The Booster Club provides a pre-game meal to the Varsity players, coaches, and support staff on Friday afternoon before the players prepare for the game.
E.Two parent volunteers are needed each week to donate approximately 45 bananas, and 45 quartered oranges and bring them to the game (or to the buses prior to the team leaving for the game) for half-time replenishment.
F.The Booster Club provides after game meals for away games (sandwich, hamburger, etc.). For home games, the Club may pay for players to eat pizza at a local restaurant. This is normally voted on by the Club at a regular meeting.
G.Sodas are not preferred for hydration, as players need to replenish fluids lost during training/practice or games. Players should opt for water or sports drinks throughout the season.
H.The Booster Club purchases sports drinks for the players after practices on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday during the season. Parent volunteers are needed (minimum of two per practice) to mix and serve the drinks. This is a great and easy way to get to know and support the players!
I.The Booster Club provides a pre-game meal for Freshman players and coaches on Mondays.
XVII.Concessions/Game Workers
A.The Football boosters operate the upper concession stand at Friday night varsity home games (ORHS Student Council operates the lower stand), and for both the Monday night Freshman and JV home games. The Booster Club purchases all food and supplies required for the stand, and keeps any profit from operations.
B.The concession stand is staffed on Friday nights by a youth group from a local church. The youth volunteers are supervised by a Booster Club member(s).
C.The Monday Freshman/JV games are entirely staffed by parent volunteers. Volunteers are needed for concessions, time clock operation, public address, ticket sales, chain gang, etc. Without Booster Club and parent help, this game could not happen! Usually, JV parents volunteer to do these jobs for the Freshman game, and Freshman parents volunteer for the JV game. Varsity parents may, and often do, help as well.
D.The Booster Club operates two ‘Cat Shacks’ where Wildcat merchandise is sold for profit. All proceeds from the sales of merchandise go directly to the Booster Club. At least two Booster/Parent volunteers are needed per game to operate the ‘Cat Shacks’.
E.There are many other opportunities to help. Coordinators will be designated to help volunteers. Please don’t hesitate to ask a Coordinator how you can be involved!
XVIII.Website/Social Media Info
A.Wildcat Football Booster Club Website:
B.Wildcat Football Booster Club Facebook Page: “Oak Ridge Wildcat Football”
C.Wildcat Football App: TeamApp – ORHS Wildcat Football
D.ORHS Website:
E.Coach Saunder’s FB site:
F.TSSAA website:
G.Game Streaming: Listen LIVE to games on Victory Radio FM 92.7, Local School’s Comcast Channel 15
1.David Claryhas announced or produced Oak Ridge Wildcat sports games on radio, television, and the internet for over 30 years. David raises money for the games and television show to be aired through local donations and sponsorships. It is expected to require $17,000 - $20,000/year to broadcast the games and coach’s show. If you know of anyone interested in making donations or sponsorship for Wildcat broadcasting, please let David or the Booster Club know.
H.Coach’s Corner with Joe Gaddis, Wednesdays @ 8:00 pm throughout season. Venue TBA
XIX.Tailgating Before Friday Night Varsity Home Games
A.Wildcat Football Boosters provide a tailgate meal, at cost, and for profit. All proceeds from sales go directly to the Booster Club.
B.Buses arrive with varsity players around 6:00.
C.‘Walk of Champions’ tradition
D.All fans are invited and encouraged to attend. This event is NOT exclusive to Booster members.
XX.Wildcat Fight Song Roll, Wildcats, Roll! The fight is on, let’s take it across the goal. Let’s Roll, Wildcats, Roll Your loyal sons are with you a hundred fold. RAH! RAH! RAH! Fight ‘til the gun We’ll cheer each play until the game is won…. Let’s show ‘em that we’re tough Make ‘em holler that’s enough Let’s Roll, Wildcats, Roll.
XXI.Wildcat Merchandise
A.‘Cat Shack1’ is located on Blankenship track near entry gates. Open for all home games.
B.‘Cat Shack2’ is located near the upper concession stand on the hill at Blankenship.
XXII.Important Elements of the Wildcat Tradition
A.History of winning Championships, with eight state titles (1956, 1958, 1961, 1962, 1975, 1979, 1980, 1991), and one National Championship (1958). Additionally, Oak Ridge has won or played in State Championship games in every decade since the 1950’s.
B.Blankenship Field – Named after the first Superintendent of Oak Ridge Schools. It has been the home of the Wildcats since1943, when the original school was located on the hill overlooking the field. Blankenship Field is considered “hollowed sod” by former Wildcat’s.
C.Jack Armstrong Stadium – The site of many great games and the 1980 State Championship Game. Named after Jack Armstrong, the Head Coach of the Wildcats from 1955 until 1968. Armstrong’s teams won four State Championships and the National Championship in 1958.
D.The Wildcat Crossing (or just “The Steps”) – The 72 steps leading from the top of “The Hill” where the press box/locker room is located has been the players entrance to the field level since 1943. There is nothing to compare in High School football anywhere to the feeling of standing at the top of the stairs before a game, and walking down The Stairs as future Wildcats slap your shoulder Pads.
E.The Walk of Champions – The walkway leading from the upper parking lot at Blankenship Field to the upper gate, which players use to enter the stadium before each game. The walkway is paved with bricks engraved with the names of past Wildcat players.
F.The Friday Tailgate – Wildcat fans gather before the game in the upper parking lot of Blankenship Field to tailgate at the pavilion, and cheer on the Wildcats as they walk from the bus down The Walk of Champions to the stadium entrance.