CSD Athletics: Bulldog News

Bulldog Families,

If you're a fan of exciting, intense, playoff competition, the Bulldogs are providing opportunities for you to get out and support in every program at every level! First, congrats to our BHMS Basketball teams who finished their regular seasons yesterday. Both teams have advanced to the playoffs! Our JV Basketball Bulldogs have also qualified for the Dekalb County playoffs after great regular season. Our Swim Bulldogs travel to Chamblee tomorrow for the DeKalb Championships, in preparation for the upcoming GHSA State Meet in Februaary. Similarly, our Wrestling Bulldogs will also compete in the DeKalb Championships tomorrow. The Bulldogs will be home next Friday, hosting the Region Meet. We look forward to seeing you there! Finally, our Varsity Basketball teams are in the final stretch of games, hosting Senior Night next Tuesday. Come out to support!!

Spring sports tryouts have started. Good luck to all of our Bulldogs navigating the tryout process. This is an exciting and challenging time for everyone. We appreciate the thought and consideration our coaches dedicate to this time and our students.

Looking ahead, we hope you will join us in March at this year's Decatur Bulldog Booster Bash. This continues to be a great event where all of our Bulldog families from Decatur High and Beacon Hill Middle Schools come together to celebrate, fellowship, and fundraise. See the Save-the-Date below.

As always, there is a lot to celebrate in CSD Athletics. 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)

Shout out to our Varsity and JV Bulldog Cheerleaders who hosted their annual Basketball Cheer Mini-Camp! 50 future Bulldogs trained with our DHS Bulldogs to prepare cheers and dances that were performed at halftime of Friday's basketball games. Our cheerleaders stepped up as role models to provide a memorable experience for our aspiring cheerleaders, their families, and everyone in attendance. Great job, Bulldogs!!

Congratulations to Coach Rory Welsh and our Decatur Boys' Basketball program. Coach Welsh was named the Georgia Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Month for December! The Bulldogs are on a 13-game winning streak and currently undefeated in region play. If you haven't been out to see the Bulldogs, make the effort. You will not be disappointed!

Our Beacon Hill Girls' Basketball Bulldogs aren't only dominating on the court; they're giving back to the community. The Bulldogs recently spent the day at the Atlanta Community Food Bank, bonding as a team, and working hard to support those in our community who need assistance. Can't help but be proud of these Bulldogs student-athletes and coaches!

Congratulations to our BHMS Wrestlers. The Bulldogs competed in the DeKalb County Championships, and out of 16 teams, our boys came in 4th overall! There was a separate girls scramble and Jordan Lindahl placed 6th in her weight class. The Bulldogs had several champions and placers in their respective weight classes, including: Frank Waterson (1st) ; Anderson Kim (1st) ; Henry Hamilton (1st) ; Jason Elder (4th) ; Braylen Griffin (4th) ; and, James Holbein (4th). We are proud of all of our Bulldogs, our coaches, and our parents who made this inaugural season a success!

History was made in our Bulldog Wrestling program! On Wednesday, our Wrestling program hosted the first-ever home wrestling meet for Beacon Hill Middle School. Our BHMS Bulldogs showed out in front of a great crowd. Great job to Coach Salvador, Coach Zisook, and all of our Wrestling staff for the time and energy invested in our young Bulldogs!

Join us for our BHMS Cheer Fundraiser at Jersey Mike’s on January 22nd!

Ordering in store? Be sure to mention the fundraiser or show the flyer at checkout.
Ordering on the Jersey Mike’s app? Use code JMGIVES so your purchase counts toward our team!

Every sub supports our cheerleaders—thank you for showing your BHMS spirit!

Spring Sports will start very soon after we return from the Holiday Break. Please see the graphics below for the earliest dates each sport will begin, as well as contact information for each coach.

IMPORTANT: Students must have an updated medical profile in DragonFly to participate.

DHS Baseball: January 20-21 - 4:30-7:30 PM - McKoy Park - Coach Jefferson (tjefferson@csdecatur.net)

DHS Golf: January 27-28 - 4:30-Sunset - Stonemont Country Club - Coach Sawyer (asawyer@csdecatur.net)

DHS Gymnastics: First practice is January 26 - Contact Coach Cabrices with questions - Coach Cabrices (dcabrices@csdecatur.net)

DHS Boys' Lacrosse: January 20 - 7:30-9:15 PM - DHS Stadium - Coach Kasper (kasperlax17@gmail.com)

DHS Girls' Lacrosse: January 20-21 - 4:00-5:30 PM - Ebster Field AND January 22-23 - 5:45-7:30 PM - DHS Stadium - Coach Powers (apowers@csdecatur.net)

DHS Boys' Soccer: January 20-21 - 3:45-5:45 - DHS Stadium AND January 22 - 7:30-9:15 PM - DHS Stadium - Coach Burgess (dburgess@csdecatur.net) and Coach Williams (ewilliams1@csdecatur.net)

DHS Girls' Soccer: January 20-21 - 5:45-7:30 PM - DHS Stadium AND January 22-23 - 4:00-5:30 PM - Ebster Field - Coach Collins (kcollins@csdecatur.net)

BHMS Soccer: January 27 - 4:00-5:30 PM - Ebster Field AND January 28-29 - 4:00-5:30 PM - Oakhurst Rec Field - Coach Herriot (htrenovations@earthlink.net) and Coach Collins (kcollins@csdecatur.net)

DHS Tennis: January 26-29 - 4:30-6:30 PM - GSU Clarkston Campus Tennis Courts (Girls M/W and Boys T/Th) - Coach Messer (dmesser@csdecatur.net) and Coach Arrue (maria.arrue@csdecatur.net)

DHS Track & Field: January 22-30 - 4:30-6:30 PM - Legacy Park Track - Coach Souther (msouther@csdecatur.net)

BHMS Track & Field: January 26-27 - 4:00-5:30 PM - BHMS (Boys' Monday ; Girls' Tuesday) - Coach Frazier (lfrazier@csdecatur.net)

The BHMS Girls' Soccer Season is just around the corner. All girls interested in participating in tryouts are encouraged to complete the Interest Form below. Coach Herriot and Coach Collins will share relevant information about tryouts using the contact info collected.

BHMS Girls' Soccer Interest Form 2026

DHS Tennis Tryouts are just around the corner. Please see the schedule below and reach out to Coach Messer (dmesser@csdecatur.net) and Coach Arrue (maria.arrue@csdecatur.net) with questions.

Location: GSU Clarkston Campus Tennis Courts:

4872 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Time: 4:30-6:30 PM

Girls: Monday (1/26) & Wednesday (1/28)

Boys: Tuesday (1/27) & Thursday (1/29)

Congratulations, once again, to Felipe Claybrooks and Daniel Wilcox, our 2026 Decatur High School Wall of Honor Inductees. Claybrooks and Wilcox become the 47th and 48th Bulldogs to have their names added to this prestigious list of alumni. Both former NFL athletes continue to be standout representatives of Decatur High and our Bulldog Community. Congratulations, and thank you for setting the bar for others in 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.

Our Decatur Bulldog Booster have something for everyone when it comes to Bulldog Swag. Start 2026 off right in your new Decatur Bulldog Spirit Wear. All proceeds go to support our BHMS and DHS Bulldog Student-Athletes!

Click the image above to browse the Shop

Many of you have been asking about Run With the Dogs, and we’re happy to share an exciting update. For the past 21 years, Run With the Dogs has been a beloved Decatur tradition, bringing our community together in the best way: on the run, for our schools.

This year, we’re trying something new. We’re thrilled to partner with the Decatur Education Foundation to add a one-mile dog run component to another hometown favorite: the amazing Tour deCatur, happening on March 14. It’s a fun new way to keep the spirit of Run With the Dogs alive while teaming up with a longtime community partner.

And looking ahead - if you’re passionate about Run With the Dogs and would love to see it return to its traditional January race format in the future, we’d love your help. We’re looking for a volunteer to lead that effort and help shape what’s next. If that sounds like you, please reach out to shawnamikes1@gmail.com.

Decatur events thrive because of community energy and leadership, and we’re excited to keep building together. 🐾🏃‍♀️

We appreciate all of our local families and companies who step up to support our Bulldogs every year!! As noted in the graphic, the DBB plays a vital role in the success of our programs - in so many different ways!

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

Decatur Bulldog Boosters (DBB) is made up of parents and guardians who plan fun events to support Bulldog athletics at Decatur High School and Beacon Hill Middle School. Join our meetings the second Monday of every month in the DHS Performing Arts Center (PAC) hospitality suite at 6:30 p.m.

Aug. 11 ; Sept. 8 ; Oct. 13. ; Nov. 10 ; Dec. 8 ; Jan. 1 ; Feb. 9 ; Mar. 9 ; Apr. 13 ; May 11

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

@Decatur Bulldog Boosters

@rwtd5k

@decaturbulldogbash

Tuesday, January 27 - Varsity Basketball vs. Arabia Mountain (SENIOR NIGHT) - 6:00 PM

Wednesday, January 28 - BHMS Boy's Basketball Playoffs - 5:30 PM

Friday, January 30 - Wrestling Region Meet - 2:00 PM

Saturday, January 31 - BHMS Girls Basketball Playoffs - 10:00 AM

---------------------------

Tuesday, February 3 - Varsity Basketball vs. Woodward - 6:00 PM

Saturday, February 6/7 - Swim & Dive State Meet

This year, we’ll be shining a light on the outstanding student-athletes who represent the Decatur Bulldogs with pride, passion, and perseverance. Whether it’s in competition, in the classroom, or through leadership in our community, their achievements and character embody what it means to be a Bulldog. We look forward to sharing their stories and celebrating their contributions to the vibrant Decatur Bulldog community.

Duke University Head Women's Basketball Coach talks about the process of becoming great. She emphasizes the importance of developing competence and the time it takes to learn. Additionally, she recognizes that the speed of development differs for individuals, and the danger of comparing your journey with that of someone else. As adults supporting student-athletes, its important that we understand this process and have patience with our kids learning. Patience and give encouragement from us will give confidence to our kids to enjoy the process of development, regardless of the time it takes and how that compares to their peers.

When we sign up for sports, we sign up for to skill development, competition, and fun. Also included in the mix are frustration, mistakes, and disappointment. Some of the most lasting and impactful growth happens in these difficult moments and it is important to be thoughtful in our approach as supportive adults. This Positive Coaching Alliance article provides good advice for supporting athletes to in these tough moments.

How Parents/Caregivers Can Support Their Athletes Through Tough Moments

The role of an athlete's parent is challenging for many reasons! Finding opportunities for your child to participate, encouraging them to take risks, celebrating their accomplishments, supporting them through various challenges... It adds up and can take a toll. This resource from the Positive Coaching Alliance emphasizes the importance of building a partnership with your child's coach and provides helpful strategies to do so. There are many valuable lessons our students can learn through sports, many of which are not fun or easy to learn, and having adults who are working together makes the challenging times beneficial!

Tips for a Positive Parent/Caregiver-Coach Partnership

This year, the Bulldogs are partnering again with the Positive Coaching Alliance to enhance the experience of our students, coaches, and Bulldog families. The PCA has a vast number of resources that can help us make the most of our experience.

This resource is an activity we shared last year that aims at helping students and their families determine what their goals are as student-athletes. This exercise can spark some important conversations about how families decide to navigate this experience. Making sure everyone is on the same page about what desired outcomes can help to create a positive experience!

"What are YOUR Youth Sport Goals? Parent/Caregiver 100 Point Exercise"