On Aug. 30 at 7 p.m., Linn will kick off a new tradition as the football team begins its first varsity season at home against Cuba. “Friday Night Lights will be a time for our entire community to rally together in support of our football players, cheerleaders, and the marching band,” said board member Mitch Swann of the Linn Wildcat Football Booster Club, formerly known as the “Football Committee,” which also includes board members Andy Warren, Brian Blauvelt, Ed Davis, Megan Reichart, Sarah Brandt, Tasha Haslag, Tiffany Bish, Travis Greer, and past board members John Klebba, Amanda Brandt, Christina Laughlin, and Jill Schaefer.

Head Coach Steve Samson and the booster club have raised funds through local business donations and successful fundraisers like the “Gun-a-Month” raffle and the annual mouse race.

Even if watching football, cheerleading, or the marching band aren’t your cup of tea, Swann said visitors can still enjoy delicious food from the newly renovated concession stand, including french fries, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, pulled pork sandwiches, and more.

Football triumphantly returned to Linn thanks to the dedication of John Klebba and a group of motivated citizens who worked for years to get the program back on its feet.

Initially established in the 1970s, the Linn Wildcat Football program was revitalized after many years. Over the past two years, the program has experienced tremendous growth, largely supported by the Linn Wildcat Football Booster Club.

The Wildcat football program boasts over 120 athletes across six football teams: third, fourth, sixth, and eighth- grade, JV, and varsity.

“Thanks to unwavering support from Superintendent Bob James, the Linn R-2 school board, and administration, our football stadium has undergone incredible transformations in the past two years,” said Swann. “We’ve built a field, installed permanent bleachers, and constructed a spacious 1,080-square-foot press box. The district has renovated the track, installed a new fence, and added LED lights to the stadium. Our community and football program has a lot to be proud of! The effort and support from various individuals and businesses are crucial in ensuring the success and sustainability of the Linn Wildcat Football and our Booster Club and its initiatives.”

Fundraising events and generous donations from local businesses and individuals have made a significant impact. “Football isn’t just about the game itself; it’s about building community, fostering youth development, promoting health and fitness, and contributing to the local economy,” Swann noted. “Our football program embodies these values by not only providing a platform for athletics but also by creating opportunities for social interaction, cultural exchange, and charitable endeavors. The dedication of volunteers like Shawn Strong and Andy Warren, who have spent multiple summers improving facilities for the athletes, highlights the spirit of community involvement and support that is essential for the program’s success.”

The list of donors, both large and small, demonstrates the broad support base the football program enjoys in the community. “It’s clear that without this collective effort, achieving goals such as building a quality football stadium or ensuring the sustainability of our program would be much more challenging,” said Swann. “Overall, the impact of football on our community extends beyond the field, enriching the lives of athletes and community members alike. It’s heartening to see such strong support for a program that not only promotes athletics but also enhances community spirit and pride.”

Swann added the Linn Wildcat Football Booster Club has played a pivotal role in securing funding for projects, mainly through the annual mouse race fundraiser. This year’s event will take place on Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. at St. George.

“The generosity of our community members, whether through donations to our silent auction or attending the event, ensures the sustainability of football in Linn,” said Swann. “In the coming years, our goal is to develop two high-quality football practice fields, which are essential in preparing our athletes effectively for game day. We extend heartfelt thanks to our donors, sponsors, and the dedicated volunteers from our community who have contributed countless hours. Football is more than just a game for us; it instills local pride, supports economic benefits, encourages cultural exchange, and drives charitable efforts. Its impact on our community identity and vitality cannot be overstated.”

Swann extended his and the board’s appreciation for the support of everyone involved in making these endeavors possible. “Thank you for enriching the lives of our student-athletes and the entire community,” he added.

Donors contributing more than $10,000 are the Linn Wildcat Football Booster Club, State Technical College of Missouri, Keith Hostetler (Hostetler & Sons), Jim Butler Powerhouse, Legends Bank, John and Lisa Klebba, Diamond Pet Foods, Osage Ambulances, Three Rivers Electric, Dave’s Pizza & Wings, Caspers 66, HAW Trucking, Capital Epoxy, Carved in Stone, Classic Buildings, Locks Mill Propane, and Show-Me Commercial Roofing.

Other donors are Jake Voss (Shelter Insurance), Adepto Medical, Pioneer Biomedical, Osage Seed and Chemical, Shawn Strong, Mid America Bank, James Yutzy, Dustin Higgenbotham and Matt Pointer (M&D Electric), Mike McDaniel (American Family Insurance), Morton Chapel, Osage Ambulance District, Parts City, Jeff Wolfe (Shelter Insurance Company), Will Jacobs (Osage Brick and Stone), Precision Power Sports, Jefferson Bank, Barefoot Storage, Core Family Dentistry (Dr. Cory Mack), Osage County Concrete, Samuel’s Formal Wear, Bayer Corp, Wess Deeken, Rob and Megan Reichart, Rusty Drewing, Fortress Insurance, Bee at Home, Kim Beffa, Unterrified Democrat, Sweet Bee’s Shaved Ice, SelecTurf Incorporation, Alfred and Sam Brandt, Linn Printing, Hometown Building Center, Amanda L. Grellner (Law Office of Amanda Grellner), Justin and Tiffany Perry, Andy Warren and Christa Warren, Tasha and Clayton Haslag, Chris Dickherber, Steve Samson, Chris Minnix, Ryan Rost, Dale Rost, Chad, Tiffany and Hunter Bish, Christina and Clay Laughlin, Jay McGinness, Mitch, Hannah, Ben, Nick, and Jacob Swann, Ed, Amy and Jaxon Davis, Bob and Amanda James, Cliff Wilson, Moonlight Dent, Kenny Perry, Linn Fire Protection District, Osage County Survey (Ralph Kliethermes), Joe Miloro, Travis and Lori Greer, B&H Well Drilling, Concrete Solutions, and Sellenriek Construction.

Anyone interested in donating to the football program or mouse race silent auction can visit Linn Wildcat Football Boosters on Facebook or any board member. “We have a lot more great things to accomplish together for our community,” said Swann, encouraging everyone to attend Linn’s first-ever varsity football game. “You won’t want to miss a small piece of history in Linn,” said Swann. “It’s a great day to be a WILDCAT!”