Tharp breaks ground with club By JONATHAN DALE, Sports Writer
Wednesday, August 27, 2003 2:44 PM PDT
Imperial High Quarterback Club president Rebecca Tharp speaks at a club meeting at the high school on Monday.DON THOMPSON PHOTO
IMPERIAL For new Imperial Quarterback Club president Rebecca Tharpe, being the first woman in charge of the group in its 50-year history pales in comparison to being able to spur support for Tiger athletics at Imperial High School.
"I want to make a difference for the kids," explained Tharpe. "It's overwhelming because I know all eyes are on me and it's exciting because I'm in it for the kids."
Tharpe, who does not have any children in high school, is dedicated to Imperial High sports in general and sees her new position as an opportunity to not only draw support for current athletic programs but to lay a foundation for future Tiger athletes in any sport.
"My goals are to increase the club membership and to make people realize that (the club) is not just for football, it's for all Tiger sports, and to get the parents more involved," she said.
Tharpe realizes the position she is in is not an easy one. The Quarterback Club here has close to 100 members who pay the $10 yearly membership fee, but Tharpe estimates just 15 to 20 of those are active members.
Also, the lack of money in school districts throughout the state limits the involvement of schools and presents a greater need for parental support by Tiger coaching staffs.
"With the budget cuts (the coaches) are going to need more help from the community than they've ever had," said Tharpe.
"Our people that work behind the scenes, we really appreciate what they do for the young men and young ladies here at school," said head football coach and Imperial vice principal Steve Cato.
Part of the reason for Tharpe's involvement with the Quarterback Club is she was Cato's "stat girl" while attending Brawley Union High School. The lasting relationship she made with Cato is something she urges the community, especially parents of either current or future Tiger athletes, to do with Imperial's coaches.
"Get involved, get to know the coaches," urged Tharpe.
Another goal of Tharpe's is to get more people interested in all Tiger sports, citing Imperial's wrestling, softball and swim teams as unsung heroes the past couple of years.
"We need to reinstill that Tiger pride," said Tharpe, but "it has to come from the community as well as the kids."
"(The community) wants our kids to be better. They want to be proud of them. They need to invest in them," she added.
Both Tharpe and Cato realize that putting back the growl in the Tigers' spirit begins with football and both are confident that with the community's help Imperial football will do so this year.
"This is really a community effort to bring together a team," said Cato.
"We have an awesome group of guys," said Tharpe of the team, noting players in practice are exhibiting "a lot of integrity, heart, honesty and ability" this year.
"I know we don't have the most money, but we've got the best coaches in all our sports. We have the best teachers and, in my opinion, we have the best players," she added.
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