CSD Athletics: Bulldog News

Bulldog Families,

We will soon stop producing weekly newsletters and all of the information you need to know will be located at decaturbulldogsathletics.com and on our new mobile app. Please download the DECATUR BULLDOGS ATHLETICS mobile app! Getting the latest sports updates just got a whole lot easier. Whether you’re a student-athlete, a parent, or a lifelong fan, the app is your new all-access pass to everything Decatur Athletics. After just 3 weeks of school, over 700 Bulldog athletes, parents, and supporters have downloaded the app to follow their teams. This will be our main point of communication from the Athletic Department and our teams moving forward. Follow the instructions below to get set up. If you don't wan't to add a new app to your phone, bookmark decaturbulldogsathletics.com in your browser. Don't miss a single play this season!

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)

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.

Before last night’s game, we paused to celebrate a truly special member of our softball team: our solo senior, Lena Castro! Recognized by her teammates and coaches, Lena has been a dedicated four-year varsity player and an incredible leader both on and off the field. Her hard work, sportsmanship, and leadership have set the bar high for our program. A huge thank you to everyone in the community who came out to fill the stands and show their support for Lena!

Join us this Friday, Oct. 2, for a very special Friday Night Lights as we celebrate our graduating seniors across football, cheer, band, and cross country!

Be sure to get to your seats early—pre-game festivities begin at 6:10 PM to honor our Marching Band and Cross Country seniors. Then, stick around at halftime as we recognize our Football players and Cheerleaders.

Let’s pack the stands and give the Class of 2027 the celebration they deserve!

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. Our Bulldog coaches build leaders, foster character, and strengthen our community every single day.

A special thank you to our Decatur Bulldog Boosters, who will be providing lunch for our coaches on Tuesday to show their support! Please take a moment on October 6 (or at your next practice) to thank your student’s coaches for everything they do for our Bulldogs!

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 2 - JV/V Flag Football vs. Hillgrove - 6 PM

October 3 - V Football vs. Alcovy - 7 PM (SENIOR NIGHT)

October 3 - BHMS 8 Soccer vs. King MS - 5:30 PM

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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

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.