Who We Are
Big Blue Boosters is a non-profit corporation formed in 1980 to exclusively support F J Reitz High School extracurricular and co-curricular activities. We are supported by alumni, parents, coaches, teachers, administrators, community businesses, and friends of FJ Reitz High School. We raise funds year-round to support these activities through annual memberships, advertising in our Fall and Winter Sports Programs, local restaurant give-back days, and Half Pot drawings at home sporting events. (Licensed by the Indiana Charity Gaming Commission.) Big Blue also accepts unrestricted donations to support its mission and memorial gifts or bequests.
2026 Officers
President: Wendell Burkhart
President Elect: Samantha Stewart
1st Vice-President: Julie Rutledge
2nd Vice-President: Tammy McCullough
Recording Secretary: Lowell Clark
Corresponding Secretary: Jill Anne Hahn
Treasurer: Jacob Minor
Social Media: Katie Kissel-Minor
2026 Board of Directors
Sue Albin
Cindy Barnett
Wendell Burkhart
Lowell Clark
Thomas Guinn
Jill Anne Hahn
Ronald Ham
Susan Hansen
Andy Hape
Phyllis Heise
Crissy Hettenbach
Scott Hettenbach
Pam McCullough
Tammy McCullough
Sandy McFall
Jacob Minor
Katie Kissel-Minor
Julie Rutledge
Donna Schmidt
Pam Shelton
Julia Stansberry
Samatha Stewart
Valerie Guest-Sullivan
Melissa Turpin
Tom Turpin
The Boosters have supported more than 20 different groups and have provided more than $250,000 over the past 10 years.
What We Do
The purpose of the organization is support Athletic, Art, and Academic activities that need supplemental funding to achieve excellence and provide the best possible outcomes for students at Reitz. Coaches and Sponsor of groups needing assistance may make an application for financial support with the knowledge and approval of school administrators.
The Board of Directors meets monthly for the Coaches and Sponsor to present their request for consideration. Funding varies by activity and typically is more for groups that have larger numbers of participants. The Boosters have supported more than 20 different groups and have provided more than $250,000 over the past 10 years. Financial support is dependent on the level of membership and donation support incoming and hopefully will grow as the Reitz community becomes more aware of our mission.
The typical types of support we have provided over the past 40 plus years to Reitz include:
- Sports Uniforms
- Sports practice equipment
- Weight room equipment
- Theatre lighting and sound equipment
- Instrumental Music sound equipment
- Sports field improvements
- Extra travel costs support for special events such as State competitions
- Support of training and clinics for coaching staff
FJ Reitz High School Century Campaign
Additionally, our group led the FJ Reitz High School Century Campaign and Celebration in 2018. We sponsored several community events to mark the occasion. Funds were raised that were used to replace the visitor’s gate and ticket booth at the Reitz Bowl. This effort resulted in donations and in-kind support that exceeded $240,000.
Get Involved
Support Us By Becoming A Member
Becoming a member of Big Blue through annual membership is the easiest and best way to support us and the students of Reitz. Memberships provides about one-third of the funds used to support student activities. Submit your application by filling out the form here for you and your family to join today!
- Individual
- $25annually
- Member’s Name is listed in Fall Program.
- Family
- $100annually
- Member’s name is listed in Fall Program.
- Spouse Member’s name is listed in Fall Program.
- Additional minor children’s names are listed in Fall Program.
Become a Member Today!
Brick Fundraiser
Have Your Name Immortalized in Stone
The BBB will be fundraising for our school’s sports teams, band/vocal, graduations and many other extracurriculars. The bricks and granite pieces will be placed at a new entryway ticket booth into the Reitz High School Bowl.
Brick Options
Bricks:
- $50 (4 x 8) 2 lines and a logo or 3 lines and no logo
- $100 (8 x 8) 3 lines and 1 or 2 logos
Black Granite: Granite has the same Specs as the Bricks.
- $150 (4 x 8)
- $300 (8 x 8)
- $500 (8 x 12) Custom design
- $750 (16 x16) Custom design
Purchase a Sponsorship of the Sports Program
Local businesses that sponsor the Fall Sports program provide about another third of the Boosters financial support. Click on the button below to access the Sponsorship Form. Forms and payment are due by July 1. Sponsorship levels are: “Blue” ($200), “Gray” ($250) and “Panther” ($300). Additionally, three full page color ad spaces are available: Back Cover, Inside Front Cover and Inside Back Cover.
Donate
In addition to membership support, consider making an unrestricted donation to provide excellence in extracurricular support.
Other Fund-Raising Activities
Several other activities provide the balance of the funding. These include donations, half-pot raffles at home football and basketball games, restaurant give-back days, and Reitz logo merchandise sales. We are constantly looking for ways to increase our sources of funds though new activities.
Become a Board member.
Once a member of Big Blue Boosters, you become eligible to be considered to serve on the Board of Directors. Directors are eligible to serve as an officer after serving one year on the Board. The Board of Directors conducts the administrative functions necessary to maintain the organization and decide on distribution of funds to the student groups requesting assistance.
Board of Directors qualifications
- Membership in Big Blue Boosters
- Attend most Board meetings – currently 6:00pm on the first Tuesday of each month.
- Volunteer to assist with fundraising events – half pot ticket sales at home football or basketball games, distributing programs or selling merchandise at home games, and other fundraising events support.
Connect With Us
We are on Facebook
CONGRATULATIONS 🎉 Reitz High School Reitz Athletics IHSAA (Indiana High School Athletic Association, Inc.)
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Congratulations! Good luck at state!🏃♀️🏃💨 Reitz High School Reitz AthleticsCongratulations to these outstanding student-athletes from across our district who have earned their spots at the IHSAA Track & Field State Finals. We are so proud of the hard work and dedication each of these competitors has shown this season. Go get it! 🏆
BOYS TRACK & FIELD
Harrison Warriors
• Richard Hilaire – 100m Dash
• Deandre Sanders – 100m Dash
• Micah Robling – 400m Dash
• Tayten Wilson – Discus & Shot Put
• Karson Stewart – Shot Put
• 4x100m Relay – Kendrick Hart, Deandre Sanders, Daerail Jamerson, Richard Hilaire
North Huskies
• Dade Waters – 400m Dash
• Darian Walker – 110m Hurdles
• 4x100m Relay – Cole McBride, TJ Michel, De'Amontey Layne, Dez Lewis
• 4x400m Relay – Darian Walker, Cole McBride, De'Amontey Layne, Dade Waters
Reitz Panthers
• Amyr Wilford – 100m Dash
• Carter Zieren – 1600m & 3200m Run
• Will Dierlam – 3200m Run
Central Bears
• Frederick Helm – 200m Dash
Bosse Bulldogs
• Jayden Jones – 110m & 300m Hurdles
• Dedrick Hardin – 300m Hurdles
GIRLS TRACK & FIELD
North Huskies
• De'Janay Layne – 100m & 200m Dash
• Iana Tecson – 400m Dash
• 4x400m Relay – Zhaeyana Cooper, De'Janay Lane, Carter Seibert, Iana Tecson
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Celebrating a legendary career that helped define one of Indiana’s most storied football programs, we proudly honor Herman Byers as a member of the Indiana Football Hall of Fame.
Byers served as the head coach at Reitz High School from 1942 to 1968, building a tradition of excellence that would leave a lasting mark on Indiana high school football. Over the course of his remarkable tenure, he compiled an outstanding 189-51-15 record, establishing himself as one of the most successful coaches in state history.
Under his leadership, Reitz rose to dominance, capturing six state championships in 1948, 1953, 1956, 1957, 1960, and 1961. His teams consistently set the standard for success, also earning 13 SIAC titles while becoming a powerhouse program recognized across the state.
Byers’ impact went far beyond wins and championships. His leadership helped shape generations of student-athletes and built a foundation of pride and tradition that continues to define Reitz football today. In recognition of his incredible contributions, the field at the Reitz Bowl was named in his honor—a lasting tribute to the legacy he created.
From decades of excellence on the sidelines to a legacy that still resonates today, Herman Byers represents the very best of Indiana football. His place in the Indiana Football Hall of Fame is a fitting honor for a coach whose influence helped shape the game for generations to come.
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Pete Fisher’s football story is one of athletic excellence, leadership, and lifelong dedication to the game. Born on May 31, 1931, in Evansville, Indiana, Fisher established himself as one of the premier athletes of his era while attending Evansville F. J. Reitz High School. A standout competitor, he earned All-City and All-State honors in both 1948 and 1949 and received the prestigious Kiwanis Award. His remarkable versatility was on full display during his senior year, when he earned five varsity letters in football, basketball, baseball, track, and golf.
Fisher continued his football career at Indiana University, where he became one of the Big Ten Conference’s top offensive threats. In 1953, he led the conference in receiving with 17 catches for 343 yards and also paced his team in kickoff returns. His leadership qualities earned him the honor of serving as captain of the football team in 1954, and he received Honorable Mention All-Conference recognition. Although an injury during his senior season brought his playing career to an early conclusion, his impact on Indiana football was already firmly established.
His commitment to the sport extended far beyond his days as a player. In 1969, Fisher helped found the Evansville Junior League Football program, creating opportunities for future generations of young athletes to experience and grow through the game he loved. His influence on football in the Evansville community remained significant for decades.
The honors that followed reflected a lifetime of contributions to football. Pete Fisher was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame on November 30, 1979, in Evansville. He was later recognized as a member of the Reitz Football Hall of Fame in 2008 and was part of the inaugural class of the Greater Evansville Football Hall of Fame in 2016. These distinctions stand as lasting tributes to a man whose achievements as a player, leader, and ambassador for the sport left an enduring legacy in Indiana football.
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LETS GOOOOO!!! 👏🏈👏💙👏🏈
FJ Reitz Football Reitz High School Reitz Cheer FJ Reitz Football Parents ReitzFootball.com Reitz Athletics Evansville Area FootballReitz Panthers Football 2026 Schedule‼️
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The countdown is on - get your tickets today. 🥁 Reitz High School DRUMS on the OHIO OFFICIAL F.J. Reitz Instrumental Music Booster Club
tickets.dci.org
2026 Drums on the Ohio Buy tickets for @The Reitz Bowl on 07/22/2026, Evansville, IN from vivenu. Gates Open: 6:00pm CTBox Office Opens: 5:00pm CTSEATING INFORMATIONAccessible seating is located in Se...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
The Boosters Through the Years
All the History Online
If you missed out on the book (which can still be ordered via MT Publishing with print-on-demand) live the memories or your parents’ and grandparents’ memories with these “Feel the History” digital shorts.
The 1910s -A Tradition is Born
The 1920s – Reitz Becomes a High School
The 1940s – Pre-War, War, Post-War
The 1950s – Thriving, Sprawling…
The 1980s – Inflation and Economic Turmoil
The 1990s — still to come WATCH THIS SPACE
The 2000s — still to come WATCH THIS SPACE
Salute to the remarkable work of Mr. Jon Carl’s History Students! Award winning journalists, historians and media producers.
Contact Us
Have a question, comment, or want to know more? Let us know how we can help by filling out the form here and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible or give us a call today!
Big Blue Boosters
PO Box 6272
Evansville, IN 47719-0272
Other Contacts
Administrative Offices of FJ Reitz High School
812 435-8201
Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation Administration
812 435-8453