I am entering my fourth season as the head coach of the Western Guilford Middle Boys Basketball Team. The school is terrific, the teachers and staff are incredible and supportive, and the student-athletes I get to work with are hardworking and passionate.

Our program focuses on character development, leadership skills, accountability, joy, and lifting each other up. Student athletes who are part of this program witness their grades increase and their absences and conduct issues decrease throughout the season. We celebrate all wins--both on and off the court. Last year, I was just as pleased that our team GPA increased to a 3.32 as I was at earning our first post-season playoff spot at the school since 2017.

It has also been a gift to witness the joy of basketball continue for these student athletes. To date, there are 15 players who graduated from this program who are now playing at the high school level. I bring my 8th graders to watch our former players at the high school towards the end of the season.

Western Guilford Middle is designated as a Title 1 School, where many of our student-athletes come from low-income households.

My goal in this ask is to fund some necessities we will need for this upcoming season, and provide a fund to lighten the load for families of the student-athletes who may need some financial assistance.

Below are some ways our program would utilize funds:

- Purchase reusable water bottles for games

- Purchase some additional practice equipment

- Provide funds for our end-of-season banquet, so families won't have to spend out-of-pocket

- Provide funds for families who will need funds to purchase shirts and ties for our away games

- Provide funds for pre-game meals for student-athletes

- Provide funds for a service learning opportunity I would like to do with our team. We would use the funding for a meal and transportation that day.

I appreciate anything you can contribute to this team. These are terrific student-athletes who would appreciate the additional support. Our season starts in November. Join us for a game this season...I'll be happy to comp your ticket.

Go Tigers!

- Coach Brian