CSD Athletics: Bulldog News

Bulldog Families,

If you haven’t been out to see the Bulldogs yet, now’s the perfect time! There are plenty of opportunities over the next couple of weeks to catch our teams in action. Scroll down for a full list of upcoming home events, and visit our website to keep up with where the Bulldogs are competing on the road. Your support makes a huge difference for our student-athletes and coaches!

Even though our fall season is still in full swing, preparations for winter sports are already underway. Flag Football kicked off week, and Basketball, Swimming, and Wrestling are holding interest meetings, completing DragonFly requirements, and gearing up for tryouts. If you have questions about any of these programs, please don’t hesitate to connect with our coaches.

Don't miss this opportunity! On Monday evening, Amy Bryant will be in the DHS library to share valuable information about the college recruitment process. If your student-athlete is considering college athletics, this discussion will help! See below for more information.

Proud Bulldog Moment: Congratulations to Coach Nicco Salvador who received the "Outstanding Teacher and Coach Award" this morning at the DHS 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. See below for a full write-up on this well-deserved award!

As we always say, there is always 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)

On Thursday morning, Coach Nicco Salvador was recognized as the recipient of the 9/11 Award for Outstanding Teacher and Coach at the DHS 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. We are proud to celebrate Coach Salvador and grateful for all he does here at DHS!!

From the ceremony:

"Coach Salvador joined Decatur High School in July 2023 and has quickly made an impact as our Head Wrestling Coach, where he leads athletes with discipline, dedication, and heart. In addition to coaching, he serves as a math teacher and the Special Education Department Chair, bringing more than a decade of teaching experience and a Master’s in Special Education. His leadership also extends beyond DHS as Vice President of the Decatur Bulldog Wrestling Club, where he helps grow the sport and community. Known for building strong connections, motivating students, and developing both athletes and scholars, he truly embodies the Bulldog spirit. This year, we proudly celebrate him as the recipient of the 9/11 Award for Outstanding Teacher and Coach in recognition of his outstanding work and service to Decatur High School students, faculty, and the City of Decatur. Please join us in welcoming Coach Nicco Salvador—a teacher, mentor, and leader who makes a lasting impact on and off the mat.”

On September 15, we welcome back Amy Bryant of Bryant College Coaching for an information session on navigating the recruitment process as a high school student-athlete. Amy Bryant is a National Champion Tennis Coach, formerly at Emory University, who has transitioned to serving student-athletes and their families throughout the recruitment process. In past years, this session has been well-received by both students and parents at all grade levels. Students considering participation in college athletics will leave with a lot of valuable information. This is a session you do not want to miss!

We will meet in the DHS Library at 6:30 PM.

Check out bryantcollegecoaching.com for more information about Amy Bryant.

Congratulations to the BHMS flag football team and the BHMS football team, which both won exciting victories last weekend.

The BHMS flag football team (top photo) brought home its first two wins in the program's inaugural season last Saturday, completing three interceptions, a safety, and three touchdowns across two games. They play next on Saturday, September 13 at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. at Buford High School.

The BHMS football team (bottom photo) won its first game in three years, persevering in a tight match overtaking Hollis Middle School by 8-6 . See them play again this Saturday at 10 a.m. at the DHS stadium. Find the full schedule here. Go Bulldogs!

Our Beacon Hill Volleyball teams are off to an impressive start to their season! Both teams are learning and competing in every contest. So far, our BHMS Bulldog A-Team is 9-1 and looking forward to making a run in the Dekalb County Volleyball Championships! If you haven't had a chance to support the Bulldogs, don't miss out!

If you haven't caught our Softball Bulldogs in action, there's still time to catch a game. Our Bulldogs are continuing their winning ways. This week, Decatur improved it's overall record to 11-2 on the season. The Bulldogs hold the #1 seed in Region 4-5A, with a record of 8-1.

Click here for the most recent updates

Calling all K–5 students! Join the Decatur High School Varsity and JV Cheerleaders for a mini-camp during Homecoming Week, September 29–October 1. Campers will learn cheers, meet the team, and perform in the Homecoming Parade and Game on Friday, October 3!

Register by September 18 at 6:00 p.m. to guarantee your camper’s game day t-shirt. Final registration closes September 24.

Register Here

All students interested in participating in the Boys' Basketball this winter are invited to attend the Interest Meeting on September 18. Coach Welsh will meet students in the DHS Hospitality Suite at 3:45 to share expectations and opportunities leading up to tryouts in October.

All students interested in trying out for the DHS Boys' Soccer program are invited to attend the virtual Interest Meeting with their families. Coach Burgess will share important information about the tryout process, as well as opportunities to prepare.

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.

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

Thursday - September 11 - Varsity Softball vs. Shiloh - 5:30 PM

Thursday - September 11 - JV Football vs. Kell - 6:30 PM

Thursday - September 11 - Varsity/JV Volleyball vs. AIS - 5:30 PM

Friday - September 12 - BHMS Boys' Soccer vs. King MS - 5:00 PM

Saturday - September 13 - BHMS Football vs. Price MS - 10:00 AM

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Monday - September 15 - JV/9 Volleyball vs. Maynard Jackson - 5:30 PM

Tuesday - September 16 - JV Softball vs. Dunwoody (doubleheader) - 5:30 PM

Tuesday - September 16 - BHMS Boys' Soccer vs. Howard - 5:00 PM

Wednesday - September 17 - Flag Football vs. South Cobb/Morrow - 5:30 PM

Thursday - September 18 - BHMS Volleyball vs. Howard - 4:30 PM

Friday - September 19 - Varsity Football vs. Arabia Mountain - 7:30 PM

Saturday - September 20 - BHMS Football vs. Sylvan MS - 10:00 AM

Throughout the year, we’ll be highlighting the incredible teachers who go above and beyond to support our student-athletes. Their encouragement in the classroom, at games, and behind the scenes plays a vital role in building a positive, balanced, and successful culture. At Decatur, our educators are more than instructors—they’re mentors, cheerleaders, and champions for our students. Their impact is a big part of what makes our community so special.

This week's teacher spotlight is Ms. Sheranda Hardy, nominated by Tobias Brinkley. Tobias had this to say about Ms. Hardy: "She’s always happy and in a good mood. And finds a way to make me smile every time I had her class." Great job, Ms. Hardy!! Thanks for all you do for our students.

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.

This episode of "Sports Psychology Podcast: Succes Starts Within" provides insight on the importance of positive self-talk, as well as strategies for turning challenging days into growth opportunities. This is one of the many difficult lessons we can learn as athletes that will be beneficial later in life.

Olympic legend Michael Phelps shares how breaking challenges into small, manageable goals is the key to achieving monumental success. This is an important lesson for our young student-athletes: focusing on daily habits and small victories not only prevents overwhelm but also builds the foundation for long-term growth and achievement.

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"