Bobcat Quarterback Club offers Bobcat athletics moral and financial support
For the past 60 years, the Bobcat Quarterback Club has offered monetary and moral support of Marshalltown High School athletics through its weekly meetings and fundraisers.
Kent Loney, who serves as coordinator, has been affiliated with the club for over 50 years and is a proud MHS graduate.
Loney said the club organized in the late 1950s/early 1960s and held its meetings in downtown Marshalltown at the Elk’s Club. At first, the club’s focus was only on the football team, and evolved to include the needs of all athletic activities at MHS. It now meets at noon every Friday at Calvin Rockett during the school season.
The meetings include lunch, guest speakers and brainstorming ideas for potential fundraisers.
“I schedule the speakers and have developed a mailing list of community members who might be or could be interested in attending,” Andy Burt said. “We always welcome new folks.”
Anyone interested in Bobcat athletics is welcome to attend all or some of the meetings. Coaches, players and athletic directors all offer insights that may not otherwise be ascertained.
“We’ve worked very hard to keep the meetings positive in nature,” Loney said. “I think it’s good to invite the coaches out and get a closer look (at what they do). We especially like to invite coaches from the sports in season.”
Raffle prizes are awarded, sponsored by local businesses. Fundraising discussions almost always include insights from coaches. A vote is taken, and if the idea receives a majority, it goes forward.
“I did away with the membership fee. I thought we should raise money a different way,” Loney said. “Right now, we’re on the verge of asking where our money could best be used.”
Funds raised go to purchase supplies or materials not in the school district’s budget. In the past, money has gone to support Roundhouse renovation efforts, banners on Bobcat Boulevard and wrestling equipment.
“We like to accumulate funds and not just do a little bit here and there,” Loney said. “Word will get around and people will see what we do. We don’t do it for notoriety. One of the best gifts you can give is just the giving.”
For more information, Loney may be reached at loney.pipe@gmail.com. To be added to the email list, contact Burt at aburt_bc@yahoo.com.
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Contact Sara Jordan-Heintz at
641-753-6611 or sjordan@timesrepublican.com