Help Buy the Oneonta Cross Country Team a Tent!

Hi my name is Dave Rissberger and, like many parents in the Oneonta, NY area, I am a parent of a Cross Country runner. My son and his teammates are lucky enough to enjoy a fantastic coaching staff who have taught them how to excel in the sport of long distance running and have created an atmosphere where their bonds of friendship have carried over into the ability to work together for a common, winning goal.

The Oneonta Cross Country Team frequently travels outside the area to participate in races that include teams from many parts of New York State. There have been some races where more than 50 teams have participated, making it difficult for them to find dry areas to stretch, store equipment, clothes and food, and to wait for their race to begin. It is frequently difficult for parents and other family members to locate the Oneonta Cross Country Team when they arrive to cheer them on during their race, as they have to search among the countless other teams, coaches and families.

My wife and I had a conversation recently with a few other cross country parents and we decided we would like to raise funds to purchase a TENT that the team could use to not only store their gear out of the elements and rest before their race, but also to allow parents, friends and family to LOCATE them among the hundreds of other people at some of their races. After some research, BUYSHADE.COM seemed to have the best deal for a tent that was durable and portable. Additionally, they quickly matched the Oneonta school colors and mascot!

The price for the tent in the picture is $1149 with $135 per sidewall and $139 for a rolling storage bag for ease of transfer. We have set a goal of $2000 in an attempt to cover all costs, taxes, fees, and shipping; any extra funds left over will be put toward additional cross country team "gear" such as t-shirts or race day food, to be determined by the parents of the student athletes.

I realize the pandemic has been very difficult economically for many in our area but we feel the purchase of this tent will go far in not only helping us find our children at races and providing them shelter but also to help provide them a sense of ownership in the Oneonta Yellowjacket name when they are competing. Please share this with friends and family; no donation is too small. Go Yellowjackets!