The backbone of a strong football program is the parents of the players on the field.

This is the case at Thorsby, where the program has experienced drastic facility and equipment upgrades in recent years thanks to the continued support and involvement of parents.

“We’ve accomplished a lot of things over the years,” Athletic Booster President Gary Moon said. “All the parents had a mission this year to make it fun and finish strong.”

The major changes that have taken place over the past handful of years include adding lights on the baseball field, renovating the locker room and the construction of a field house.

Through fundraising events, such as the annual charity golf tournament, the current crop of senior parents have left a lasting legacy that the football program can be proud of years down the road.

Moon has been the booster president for the past five years, while his wife April partners with Misi Caton in preparing spirit packs throughout the week to be handed out to football players, cheerleaders, Rebelettes and band members prior to each game.

According to Caton, the gift packs are often filled with candies, and personalized monogrammed items that vary each week.

For homecoming week, seniors received a t-shirt and a hat to commemorate the occasion.

“We may go a little overboard, but it is well worth it,” Caton said. “This group of seniors have played with heart all four years.”

Frankie Price has been the public address announcer for the last couple of years.

“I’ve got the best seat in the house,” Price said.

He has learned to balance the emotion of rooting on his son Jarrett Price, while calling the game.

“A lot of people call football ‘daddy ball’ and I just try to make a ‘daddy call,’” Price said. “Sometimes it gets me in trouble, but it has been an honor to watch him become a young man over the years.”

Jada Hilyer is the mother of senior drum major Erica Hilyer and most games can be found helping operate the concession stand.

“It gets very busy and is hard work, but it’s worth it because the focus is on the kids,” Hilyer said. “She is my third child to be in the band, and I’ve found that the program as a whole helps to develop leadership and friendships.”

The 2016 senior class of players and parents will be equally missed after this year, but there’s little doubt that the program is in better shape because of their dedication.

“It is a big family affair,” April Moon said. “We’ll be sad when it’s over.”