When Brooke Puckett talks about her three sons that are enrolled in Bixby Public Schools, you quickly realize how important their activities are to her. Oldest son Jack is in the eleventh grade and is a member of the football, wrestling and track teams. Middle son Hank plays football and wrestles for the freshman team, while youngest son Ben is in the sixth grade and plays football. Needless to say, their activities keep mom busy.
“I have served as the wrestling booster club treasurer for the past four years. I also assist with working the gate, feeding the players and assisting with fundraising for both wrestling and football,” said Brooke. “I began volunteering so my boys could be a part of a successful program. I was fortunate enough to grow up a teacher and coaches kid and understand the enormous efforts behind a strong program. It truly takes a village.”
The community of Bixby has grown tremendously over the last decade and Brooke believes it is a great place to raise a family.
“Bixby is a loving community that strives for excellence. The schools are extremely supportive filled with educators who want the very best for their students. Parent support is extremely important to the success of Bixby Schools and athletics too. I am one of hundreds of parents who show up each week to offer support,” said Brooke. “I enjoy the camaraderie among the team parents, players and coaches. I also find great joy in supporting student athletes by helping to provide the whatever is needed so our students can not only achieve on the playing field but also in life.”
With any high school booster club or support group there will always be turnover. Brooke and her fellow parents are coming together to generate new ideas for this new way of going to school and supporting the teams.
“We have a new wrestling booster board this year who are bringing in great ideas and energy. With their support, Bixby wrestling will grow into a powerhouse. The Bixby Quarterback Club is guided by a strong board but is supported by a strong membership of parents. There are many parents who organize and plan for the program. I just show up and fill plates of food and sell tickets,” said Brooke.
As the 2020-21 season gets underway, Brooke is looking forward to watching the student-athletes compete this year.
“It is so fun to watch a team develop and grow throughout the season. Some of my greatest memories are not victories that my boys had but losses on the wrestling mat or field. The growth comes from the mistakes and learning to correct them. I can’t think of a better tool to teach this life lesson than sports. My boys are the young men they are today because they have learned how to lose and how to bounce back after disappointments. So, I say bring on the season and let our young men and women compete not only in sports but life.”
