My favorite Fall Fridays are spent in the press box at Leonard Cole Field. The Bobcat Marching Band blasts the fight song as the football team sprints out to cheers from Bobcat fans young and old.” The student section is to my right, parents, grandparents, future Bobcats, residents, and alumni fill the rest of the southside bleachers.

Last Friday night was uniquely meaningful. As a dad, I was able to watch my son, a Senior Drum Major, lead the Bobcat Marching Band for the final Friday Night. As a broadcaster, I interviewed four Senior football players on the field after the final buzzer had sounded. I have covered dozens of their football games. I have interviewed them on Bobcat Live. I have been a firsthand witness to them being great role models for the future Bobcats. Now, I was able to talk to these young men on the field for the last time. It was the last time they would don the red Bobcat jerseys and white helmets with the “Cats” script adorning both sides. The interview may not have been Walter Cronkite-level, but I will always remember it. The emotions were high, the memories were flowing, and as usual, Ignacio Macias, aka “Nacho”, made me laugh.

As I jogged back up to the press box, the pieces clicked together of why these nights are so meaningful. As I jogged back up to the press box, it all clicked:

• Bobcat Pride is real.

up to the press box, it all clicked:

• The Bobcats are represented by incredible young men and women.

up to the press box, it all clicked:

• Extracurriculars like athletics, band, cheer, and dance teach lessons in leadership, teamwork, and perseverance.

As we continue to move forward as a community, these 3 truths will be the catalysts that propel us over the next quarter-century.

We, as Marshalltown, have a tremendous opportunity to continue to invest in sport for athletes of all ages and skill levels, and in turn, the future of Marshalltown. In August, Sports Facilities Companies was selected to conduct a sports study for Marshalltown. It is not only an indicator of what the future could be, but also a confirmation of these 3 truths, producing a powerful impact. Founder/CEO, Jason Clement, is a Marshalltown native, and has turned his Bobcat experience into one of the most nationally trusted businesses in the sports industry. The study will weave together the experience and expertise of Sports Facilities Companies, and the pride and personal desires of the residents of Marshalltown.

Over the next month, the Marshalltown Parks & Recreation Department will be sharing the survey to ensure every Marshalltown resident has the chance to shape that future. Your voice matters — let’s build the next era of Bobcat Pride together.

Dylan Does is the tourism director at the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce.