Athletic director reports strong participation, seeks community donations for turf and track project

Mike Lord, the district’s athletic director, updated the Molalla River School District Board of Directors on spring sports participation and facilities work at the July 24 work session, reporting strong student involvement and asking for community fundraising support for the district’s turf and track project.

Lord said 558 students participated in athletics during the year and that, combined with activities, participation approaches most of the district’s student body. He outlined highlights across programs: track and field had 76 participants and sent athletes to state competition; baseball recorded about 21 wins and hosted a home playoff game; tennis, softball, golf and boys volleyball also reported strong rosters. Lord noted the first-year girls’ flag-football program drew enthusiastic participation and that volunteers and coaches had invested significant time to launch it.

On facilities, Lord thanked community partners and staff for support on turf and track planning and said the district is pursuing large donations to fund the project. He said the fundraising effort is community-wide, not limited to grades 9–12, and set an internal fundraising timeline that targets November 1 for key milestones. Lord asked the board and boosters to help with outreach and said he would return with a formal update and schedule as the school year approaches.

Board members praised participation numbers and encouraged continued community engagement and fundraising support for the capital project. Lord said he would provide a formal report to the board at an upcoming meeting and continue updates through the fall.