BY KEVIN WOODRUFF

Wyoming County Press Examiner

With budget cuts at Tunkhannock Area cancelling junior high athletic programs, teams are scrambling for ways to keep their team’s afloat.

And Tunkhannock Area’s junior high program is no different.

That’s why they are planning a Tiger Soccer Alumni celebration on Saturday, Sept. 15.

The coaches from the junior high and varsity levels have reached out to former TA soccer players and asked them to join in to watch the boys’ varsity game at 11 a.m. and the girls’ varsity game at 2 p.m. at Roslund Field against Hazleton.

At halftime of each of the games there will be a shootout set up to raise money.

There will also be concessions at both games and donation jars for the junior high team fund.

“We are reaching out to alumni asking them to support the junior high program due to cuts,” Tunkhannock varsity coach Kaaron Yablonski said. “But also to support soccer in Tunkhannock.”

Yablonski said in addition to supporting Tunkhannock soccer, they also want to recognize alumni of the teams.

“We are thinking of organizing an alumni game for next year,” Yablonski said.

At the event on Sept. 15, there will be a sign up sheet available for alumni to list up to date contact information in case they are interested in playing in an alumni game.

“I hope alums will see the growth of Tunkhannock High School soccer,” Yablonski said. “And that they will enjoy seeing old teammates as well.”

Yablonski said she isn’t sure what to expect as far as how much money they will raise for junior high. She said the booster club has already gotten some donations, but the team still needs more funding to keep playing.

And keeping the junior high program up and running is something Yablonski thinks is a worthy cause.

“I think the junior high program is important because it keeps players involved in the sport,” Yablonski said. “It allows them to play at a competitive level and prepares them for the varsity program.”

She said junior high allows the Tunkhannock soccer program to continue to grow.