CSD Athletics: Bulldog News

Bulldog Families,

We are streamlining how we share news! We will soon be sunsetting our weekly email newsletter, making decaturbulldogsathletics.com and our official mobile app your one-stop shop for all scores, schedules, and athletic department updates.

Over 900 Bulldog athletes, parents, and fans have already downloaded the app in the first three weeks of school—don't get left behind! Moving forward, the app will be our primary hub for all official updates.

How to stay connected:

1. Download the App: Search DECATUR BULLDOGS ATHLETICS in your app store and follow the instructions below to set up your profile.

2. Web Browser: Prefer not to add a new app? Bookmark decaturbulldogsathletics.com on your browser so you never miss a play!

Why download?

• Real-Time News: Get instantly notified about game schedules, score updates, and roster changes.

• Direct Communication: Seamless internal updates for parents, coaches, and student-athletes.

• Everything in One Place: Access photos, announcements, and team pages right from your phone.

Please click the following link from your mobile device to be taken to either Apple or Google Play to download the app now: https://go.ballfrog.com/decatur-bulldogs

1. Make sure you "Allow Notifications" when you download the app

2. Sign into the app with your cell number and complete a very brief account profile

3. Click on the teams page and be sure to follow all of the teams in the app you’d like to hear from!

4. You can do this by clicking into the specific team sections, then tapping the “Follow” button at the top of the page!

If you have any questions or need guidance relating to our programs, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Go Bulldogs!!

Director of Activities & Athletics: Rodney Thomas

(rthomas@csdecatur.net)

Assistant Activities & Athletics Director: David Harbin

(dharbin@csdecatur.net)

Bookkeeper & Administrative Assistant: Kelli Aaron

(kaaron@csdecatur.net)

We are excited for basketball tryouts to begin on October 19. Boys' Tryouts will be from 6-7:30 AM on Monday and Tuesday. Girls' Tryouts will be from 4-5:30 PM, Monday-Wednesday. Reach out to our coaches with any questions.

Girls Basketball Coach: Nick Deloach - ndeloach@csdecatur.net

Boys Basketball Coach: Rory Welsh - rwelsh@csdecatur.net

We are incredibly blessed with caring, dedicated coaches who create positive experiences for our student-athletes and support them both on and off the field. Their impact goes far beyond wins and losses—they build leaders, foster character, and strengthen our community every single day.

A huge THANK YOU to the Decatur Bulldog Boosters, Melton’s App & Tap, Nothing Bundt Cakes, City of Decatur, and Deepen Wellness for treating our coaches to delicious food, wonderful gifts, and well-deserved opportunities to relax!

Please take a moment to thank your student’s coaches for everything they do for our Bulldogs!

All students interested in participating in Girls' Lacrosse are invited to attend the Interest Meeting with Coach Powers on October 13 at 3:45 PM. The meeting will be in the Frasier Center classroom. Please complete the QR code if you cannot attend.

In addition to our new website and mobile app, @DecaturBulldogsAthletics is officially live! Follow us on IG to connect with our athletes, coaches, and the rest of Bulldog Nation.

Decatur High School students without a smartphone have the option to email our Athletic Director, Mr. Rodney Thomas, or our Principal, Dr. Duane Sprull, to make ticket arrangements. Communication must be at least 48 hours before the event.

Please note: This process will not apply to GHSA Playoff events hosted at Decatur High School.

We’re excited to welcome everyone to our events this year, and we are committed to ensuring every fan feels both safe and welcomed at our athletic events.

To streamline entry and support a positive experience, here’s what to know:

• Weapons detection systems will be in use at the gates to enhance safety and peace of mind.

• Bag guidelines: Only clear bags are allowed—either a clear bag up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or a small clutch (around 4.5″ × 6.5″). Exceptions are made for medically necessary or diaper bags, which will be subject to inspection.

• Faster entry is easier entry: Bringing fewer items helps everyone move through the screening process more smoothly and swiftly.

Thank you for your cooperation, and for helping us create a welcoming and secure atmosphere for Bulldog Nation.

Learn more about how you can become a Bulldog Sponsor for the 2025-26 school year by clicking the button below.

We are a community of parents and guardians dedicated to enhancing the athletic experience at both DHS and BHMS—and we want you involved! Joining us is a great way to meet other families and directly impact your student's season. We meet the second Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the DHS Performing Arts Center (PAC) hospitality suite. Mark your calendars for our upcoming 2025-2026 meetings.

• Remaining 2026 meeting dates: Mar. 9 | Apr. 13 | May 11

Get game day ready for the season! Decatur Bulldog Booster spirit wear is here — support our DHS and Beacon Hill teams by grabbing hoodies, sweatshirts, tees, clear bag totes, and cozy PJ sets.

📍 Pick up your order at the September 4 DHS football game or choose home delivery within the City of Decatur for $5.

Order at the link HERE. Sizes are subject to inventory availability.

Show your Decatur pride and GO BULLDOGS! 🐾💙

Stay in the know on all things Boosters by following us on Facebook and Instagram.

@Decatur Bulldog Boosters

@rwtd5k

@decaturbulldogbash

October 8 - JV Football vs. Cartersville - 6:00 PM

October 8 - V Softball vs. Midtown - 5:30 PM

October 9 - BHMS Soccer 6/7 vs. Friends School - 5:30 PM

October 10 - DHS Fencing Tournament - 10 AM

October 10 - BHMS Football Playoffs - TBD

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October 14 - JV Flag Football - Alcovy/Chamblee - 6:30 PM

October 15 - JV/V Flag Football - Southwest DeKalb - 6:00 PM

Throughout the year, we will use this section to highlight the incredible staff members who go above and beyond to support our student-athletes. From the classroom to the sidelines, our educators have proven time and again that they are more than instructors—they are mentors, cheerleaders, and true champions for our students.

A huge thank you to all of our teachers, administrators, and staff for an incredible year of dedication to our student-athletes! We look forward to keeping the momentum going and highlighting even more of our amazing staff when we return in the fall. If you already have an educator in mind who deserves recognition next season, keep those nominations ready!

Shifting our mindset is sometimes the difference between breaking through to the next level of success. This episode from "The Sports Psychology Coaching Podcast" highlights three keys to playing freely for student-athletes.

• Give Your Mind a Simple Target
• Have an Action Plan for Mistakes
• Measure Commitments, Not Results

At the end of the day, sports should be fun—but what if your athlete has bigger dreams?

Whether they’re aiming for a spot on the middle school team, a college scholarship, or even the pros, chasing big goals takes more than just skill. It takes a roadmap. Many sports families start this journey early, which is awesome, but the road comes with real challenges for both the athlete and the parents.

In this episode of Pure Athlete, the hosts break down how to help your young athlete reach their full potential without burning out.