Pam Dudding
Contributing writer
Craig County is a very tight knit community. The citizens always seem to be willing to help when they see a need.
Craig County High School has purchased some much-needed equipment to assist students in building their muscles which not only makes them stronger but helps them to play safer.
Coach Jimmy Fisher, along with others, has visions of obtaining better equipment for the kids at the school to work out on. Community members and other alumni are hoping that their extension of requests are being heard.
“This equipment is for every athlete, boys and girls,” shared Fisher. “They will all have an opportunity to use this new equipment.”
Charles Darling, a previous head football coach in the early ‘80s, heard of Fisher’s intent and sent out a request.
“Let us help Fisher to get this amazing weight room project completed!” Darling started in his appeal to others. “And, of course, I am going to ask ALL the guys who played for me 40 years ago to head up this drive.”
He said he believed that the concept of having a complete and functioning weight room in the school is a huge part of having a successful athletic program for every team and that those involved should be at least somewhat ashamed that it is now 2023 and this idea is just now being completed.
“The fundraiser has brought in a little over half of our needed goal of $18,000,” Fisher said. “We are still sitting at $10,150 with only eight days left as of Monday, May 22.”
“The 1983 and 1984 football teams were successful for many reasons, but the willingness to lift was a large part of our successes,” he said. “We were in the old high school and only had a small section of the stage to use, but our teams were literally BUILT right there in that small space. Now, the school has given the weight room a new and much larger space, and Coach Fisher and his staff are working to build a much better weight room that will be available to the current Rocket athletes and then for the next bunch of generations of CC athletes.”
He added, “Gentlemen, there is no question that Coach Fisher is making great headway with his lifting program, and I am sure that each of you have been following right here on the team’s Facebook page as I have. If you are watching closely, you can see that many of these young guys are already showing physical improvements (must have something to do with 7 AM workouts).”
Darling said the weight room is for all the “now and future little Rockets, and this is not a request to help Coach Miller, me and certainly not to help the guy that Bartlett brought in to ruin the football program, we need to help one of our own, Jimmy Fisher, finish this project!”
Darling has offered to donate a free T-shirt to every former football guy who will make at least a $50 contribution to this project. He said that the T-shirt is being designed and everyone will be able to wear it with “Rocket Pride” wherever they happen to live.
“Hey, ’83 and ’84 guys, I still have my old blue, half shirt with the ‘Big TEAM, Little Me’ and still am so proud of each and every one of the guys who made those teams what we were!” he shared.
Those interested in contributing may send their tax-deductible gift to Jim Fisher at CCHS Weight Room 25239 Craig Creek Rd. New Castle, VA 24127.
“Know that one hundred percent of the donations will be used for weight room equipment for these new renovations and upgrades,” added Fisher. “If anyone is uncomfortable with the online platform, they may call me at (540) 598-6706 to make other arrangements.”
Robin Morrison was one of the first to start the donations in memory of her brother.
“Thanks so much for your donation in Allen’s name!” Darling said. “Everyone on the ’83 team loved and respected your brother for all the positives he brought to us every day. I think of him often even after 40 years.”
Darling added, “And, please don’t hesitate to go over the minimum $50. Of course, the T-shirt gift will be available to anyone else (non-players, ladies, other alumni, and general friends of Rocket football) making at least a $50 donation to the weight room project.”
Those who plan to donate should include their T-shirt size on their check.
“There are now 50 years of football graduates who should be ready to jump at this opportunity to help Jimmy,” Darling said. “Talk to your teammates, make some calls, get out those checkbooks and be a part of Rocket Football AGAIN and get your donation in by June 15th.”