Organized to provide support for the Southwest Cross Country Ski Team, the Booster Club seeks parent involvement in two ways. First, and most importantly, enthusiastic support for the skier. It's not easy to be a student athlete. They need all the encouragement and cheering we can muster. Second, we need your financial support.

As you may know, the Southwest athletic department's budget is quite meager for all sports. Cross country skiing is no exception. The allocation for the team won't nearly cover the expenses of running the program and we would like you to join us in contributing to supplement the team budget.

 In the past few years,  the SW Nordic team has grown in both success and size. That's testament to our children, their coaches and your support...both emotional and financial. At 50+ skiers, we have some "growing pains." Our coaching staff is stretched. The school wants us to assume more financial responsibility. With your financial support, the program and coaching will not be dimished. All athletes will be well served. Your donation will provide a fund for Coach James Dundon to use for investments like: 

• Scholarships for students who cannot afford the cost of racing skis, boots and poles.
• Stipends for our assistant coaches. The team will benefit greatly from their presence and coaching. We will add other assistants to help with our growing team, finances permitting.
• Bus transportation for practices, meets and team building ski trips.
• Race wax and other team supplies, e.g. waxing irons and benches.
• Lodging for coaches at team events out-of-town.

In all, we hope to raise $7,000 from ski team supporters to help finance these investments. Booster Club leaders believe that the best way to achieve this goal is to ask each skier's family to contribute $150. We will be grateful for any and all contributions. Make your family check payable to SWHS Nordic Ski Booster Club and mail it to:

• SWHS Nordic Ski Booster Club, c/o Jean Rokke,1526 East 54th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55417-1818.

If you have any questions about the team's financial needs, you can email Jean Rokke at:

• jeanrokke@aol.com.

Thank you very much. Your contribution will make an important difference to all of our skiers this winter. We look forward to a fun, snowy and successful season.

Members, Southwest High School Nordic Ski Team Booster Club