Bearcat Football Club raises nearly $60,000 for Ruston program
Photo by Josh McDaniel
The first Friday Night Lights Community Tailgate, held by the Bearcat Football Club, raised nearly $60,000 for the Ruston High School football program on Friday at the Ruston Civic Center.
Supporters in attendance participated in separate silent and live auctions, along with a Raise the Paddle event.
Gifts included college and NFL tickets, vacation packages, hunting/fishing trips, signed memorabilia, artwork, youth gameday experiences parking passes, and more.
Wes Clark, President of the Bearcat Football Club was pleased with the event’s success.
In a statement to the Leader, Clark said, “On behalf of the Bearcat Football Club, we just can’t say thank you enough to everyone who made our Friday Night Lights event possible. To all the sponsors, event planners, auction item donors, and community we owe you a huge thank you.”
“Ruston High School’s football program is self-sufficient. With approximately 160 young men in the program (9-12) it takes a lot of resources to run the first-class operation that Jerrod Baugh has envisioned since he arrived on campus eight years ago. It is only with the support from so many that this is possible, and we think everyone has seen the results on the field.
“We are looking forward to making this event even bigger and better next year,” Clark said.
The Bearcats, coming off an undefeated state championship season in 2023, open the 2024 regular season on Sept. 6 against Acadiana at James Field at Hoss Garrett Stadium at 7 p.m.
