A fundraising effort is underway to buy a soccer scoreboard for Wiscasset Middle High School, replacing one bought in the early 1990s that Athletic Director Cameron Bishop said no longer works. The scoreboard is behind the track on the school’s upper athletic field.

“My goal in replacing the scoreboard is to help boost morale among our student athletes and also generate excitement within the school and community as a whole,” said Bishop.

Bishop told Wiscasset Newspaper, when the scoreboard was activated shortly before school reopened many of its lightbulbs failed to illuminate even after the bulbs were replaced. Due to its age, replacement parts were no longer available, leaving no other option but to buy a new scoreboard. Since then, Bishop has contacted several manufacturers. The lowest estimate he’s received was $15,600 for a basic LED scoreboard and sold by Daktronics of Brookings, South Dakota. The price, he added, is for the purchase only, not the installation.

“We purchased a small portable scoreboard to use as a substitute. It served its purpose, but it’s very small making it difficult for spectators to see from across the field.”

The school’s Boosters Club has offered to help raise funds for the new scoreboard. The group reopened the Snack Shack selling concessions during the soccer season, recently held a cornhole tournament in the school’s gym, and plans to return to selling concessions during high school and junior high basketball games. 

“Our Banner Sponsorship is a big fundraiser for us,” Club President Charlie Bassett stated via email. “Many businesses in town have generously donated to purchase a banner and donate to have it displayed on the upper and lower athletic fields. After the initial purchase, these businesses make a yearly donation to have their banner displayed for the upcoming year.”

Bassett said in past years the Boosters have bought uniforms and warmup suits for the teams, sweatshirts for athletes, new track and field equipment and EZ Up tents for outdoor events. The group has also bought items for the school’s Drama Club, flowers for Senior Night and provides two scholarships for college-bound graduates.

“I think what’s great about the Wiscasset Boosters is it’s all inclusive. We support not only the athletic teams but also many other groups or clubs within the school. We want to do anything we can to make the students’ middle/high school years as memorable as possible,” added Bassett. “We’re always eager to find new members to join the Boosters. The more volunteers we have, the more we can support our students and their activities.”

The Boosters will host a fundraising bake sale for the scoreboard on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ames True Value, Route 1, Wiscasset.

Bishop said donations towards the scoreboard purchase and installation will be gratefully accepted. He can be reached at WMHS at 882-7722, or at cbishop@wiscassetschools.org