On any given Friday night in the fall, amidst stadium lights and cheering students, Kristen Kirby and the Athletic Boosters are where they’re needed most: the stadium concession stand. Outside, fans crowd in a building-wrapped line waiting to buy game-night hotdogs, hamburgers, pizza, or nachos. The concession stand at Decatur sporting events is something so constant we almost take it for granted, but behind the booth every night is a team of parents and students working tirelessly to keep the operation smooth.
“If there’s a home game, whether it’s a wrestling match, basketball, any sport; we’ll always be open. Obviously, football is way more hectic and busy.” Kirby explains. She’s served as president of the Athletic Boosters for six years, since her oldest daughter was a freshman at SDHS. She continues, “It’s literally the minute the gate opens for spectators to come in until the time we shut down. It’s non-stop.”
The work of Kirby and the three other permanent members of the Boosters doesn’t end when the clock runs out. In addition to working games, they sell apparel like hoodies and T-shirts from the school store each Wednesday during all lunch shifts. Clothing is the biggest money maker, Kirby says. All this funding is poured right back into the school, making athletics better for players and spectators alike. Money raised has driven projects like the new irrigation around the baseball and softball fields and the new stadium sound system; one of the Boosters’ biggest purchases completed in February 2022. For individual teams, funds go towards pieces of uniforms, goalie gear, nets, balls, and cheer and wrestling mats. Kirby says, “I enjoy seeing the coaches reach out to us and being able to say ‘Oh, absolutely.’ I don’t think we’ve ever turned a coach down when they’ve come to us and ask for something.”
The apparel has another job, too: rallying the fans. “When football won the two-time [state] championships, I mean, those games were crazy busy. Like, that whole season it was just hyped up. We had everyone coming to buy clothes. Cafeteria workers, custodians— just because they wanted to,” Kirby explains. Because what really sets Decatur’s athletics apart from other schools is the community. According to Kirby, crowd sizes are much bigger than those in neighboring counties, a clear testament to the zeal shared by students, teachers, and families.
The force of the fans (and the work of the Boosters) has also extended beyond the school. Dedication games raise money for families or organizations, raising support for issues ranging from mental health to tragic accidents. “We set out a tip jar, and anything we get we give right to them,” Kirby continues, “And I always love seeing how many people even show up for the game just to drop money off. We’ve raised money for individuals like Tyler.” Tyler Walsh was a 16-year-old student stuck by a motorcyclist during Bike Week in 2024. “We were able to raise a lot of money for [Walsh’s] family,” Kirby ends.
During her term as president, the scale of the Boosters’ work has grown, but Kirby’s main goal has remained the same. “We want to always have help. If we don’t have help, then we can’t open, and being open as much as possible is really important for what we do.” Kirby and the team of three other parents work hard, but it’s not possible without student and parent volunteers. Students are able earn service hours for NHS, Key Club, or their government class through concession stand work. If interested, contact Kristen Kirby via email at [email protected].
In the end, the Athletic Boosters’ work is the engine that propels SDHS sports, and the program wouldn’t be the same without them. The hours put in are an investment into Decatur’s spirit, and their dedication is what ensures all athletes have the tools needed to succeed.
