Athletics director says participation is rising as district upgrades facilities

District Director of Athletics Shag Skolsky told the Lapeer Community Schools Board of Education on July 23 that the district is seeing rising participation and has invested in facilities to support growth.

"We have about 500 runners in the 4 races. We have 2 varsity races, 2 JB races, and we have a thousand spectators that come and watch," Skolsky said, describing a recent cross-country event as a model for increased engagement. He said booster groups provide important financial and logistical support: "They gave over $32,000 to help," he said, describing funds raised through concession operations and team requests.

Skolsky outlined several strategies to rebuild participation after declines tied to the COVID cohort, including expanded middle-school practice structures, summer camps, and a more unified coaching curriculum across grades 6–12. He described the new district weight room and recommended adding a weight-training/athletic-enhancement offering "possibly, like, intro for the semester seventh grade level and maybe a full year elective at the eighth grade level." He also emphasized efforts to make facilities welcoming for female athletes and noted female participation increases tied to dedicated programming.

Skolsky placed current participation numbers in context: some cohorts remain "probably... 30 percent," and the district's longer-term goal is to approach 50 percent participation across programs. Board members and parents praised staff and volunteers for hands-on work over the summer, and parents cited strong early participation at athletic clearance events. Board members credited both district funding and booster support for recent improvements, including tennis court resurfacing and new weight-room equipment.

District leaders said they will continue implementing middle-school programming and monitor enrollment and participation metrics as the school year begins.