Brooks Running selected 25 underfunded high school running teams as recipients for its 2016 Brooks Booster Club grants. Each team will receive running shoes, team uniforms and cash to help fuel ongoing participation in its track and cross country programs.

“The Brooks Booster Club invests in the heart and soul of the sport of running, helping to eliminate barriers for young athletes looking to participate,” said Brooks Running CEO Jim Weber. “If we can help sustain these track and cross country programs at the high school level, there’s a much greater chance these athletes will stay active and lead healthier lives long after receiving a diploma.”

“We know that many young runners and school teams face a tough reality when it comes to getting the resources they need to suit up and run,” added Team Brand Manager Steve DeKoker. “We want to clear the way for these deserving athletes so they and their coaches can focus on one of the best parts of being on a high school team: running with others toward a common goal.”

Schools receiving grants this year demonstrated a compelling need for assistance; team circumstances included entire student populations receiving free and reduced lunch, teams required to do all of their own fundraising in absence of any other budget and population demographics that face higher rates of health concerns. Brooks accepted applications for grants throughout the year from schools in the U.S. and Canada and selected grant recipients based on need.

The grant each school will receive includes training and racing shoes, racing uniforms and warm-ups for a 30-person team and $2,000 to help with expenses such as pay-to-play fees, meet entries and transportation costs.

The 25 schools receiving Brooks Booster Club grants this year are:

  • Alhambra High School – Martinez, CA
  • Appleton City High School – Appleton City, MO
  • Ben Davis High School – Indianapolis
  • Bridgeport High School – Bridgeport, MI
  • Cherokee County High School – Centre, AL
  • Chief Kitsap Academy – Poulsbo, WA
  • Clearwater High School – Clearwater, FL
  • Climax Springs High School – Climax Springs, MO
  • Desoto County High School – Arcadia, FL
  • Edward H. White High School – Jacksonville, FL
  • Green County High School – Greensburg, KY
  • Kiefer High School – Kiefer, OK
  • Kiski Area School – Vandergrift, PA
  • Lebanon High School – Lebanon, PA
  • Legacy High School – Broomfield, CO
  • Liberty Bell High School – Winthrop, WA
  • Liberty High School – Liberty, SC
  • Moore Haven Middle-High School – Moore Haven, FL
  • Octorara Area High School – Atglen, PA
  • Rock Island High School – Rock Island, IL
  • Somerset Academy – Las Vegas
  • Tuscarawas Central Catholic High School – New Philadelphia, OH
  • Willamette High School – Eugene, OR
  • Wilton-Lyndenborough High School – Wilton, NH
  • Woodland High School – Cartersville, GA