CSD Athletics: Bulldog News

Bulldog Families,

We’re officially into Week 2, and the excitement is building as competitions begin across our Fall sports programs! We can’t wait to see our athletes and coaches in action, showcasing all the hard work they’ve put in over the summer. It’s also a great time for our parents, families, and all of Bulldog Nation to come out, show their support, and help create a great atmosphere for our teams.

Don't miss the action tomorrow night at Decatur High School stadium when our Bulldogs will face off against Josey in the season opening scrimmage. At halftime, our CSD mascots from all of our schools will line up again for the annual CSD Mascot Run!! Which of our mascots will break the tape in year two??? Come Friday to find out!!

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: To ensure the safety of our students and the entire Bulldog Community, we will introduce Open Gate weapons detection devices at our events, along with a Clear Bag Policy. Please see below for information that will help create a smooth and safe environment at the game Friday.

If you haven't already, now is a perfect time to update your student’s medical profile in DragonFly to ensure they’re ready to compete safely this season. If you have any questions, reach out to your coach or anyone in our Athletic Department.

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.

Let’s make it a great year, Bulldog Nation! Thanks for your support. 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’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.

Bulldog Fans! We are transitioning to a new website within the GoFan/NFHS Family. We'll have the same address, same content, plus some new features to make attending and watching Bulldog Athletic events seamless.

Please be patient as we adapt to this new platform! We will continue to to post announcements here in our weekly updates as we adjust to our new platform.

In 2024, we hosted the Inaugural CSD Mascot Run. On August 8th, we're running it back!! Mascots from all of our CSD schools will be at the Football game to see who will break the tape first in the 2025 CSD Mascot Run.

Watch the video below to relive the excitement from last year's race!

As we prepare for another exciting year of Bulldog athletics, we want to share updated ticket prices for the 2025–2026 school year. These adjustments bring us in line with neighboring Metro Atlanta schools and are necessary to keep pace with the rising costs of game officials and to continue supporting all of our athletic programs.

New Ticket Prices:

• Varsity Football: $10 (previously $8)

• Varsity Basketball: $10 (previously $5)

• Varsity Flag Football, Wrestling, Soccer & Lacrosse: $8 (previously $5)

• JV Football, Flag Football, Basketball, Soccer, & Lacrosse: $8 (previously $5)

• Beacon Hill Middle School Football & Basketball: $5 (no change)

Currently, CSD does not charge for regular season admission to a number of our activities, including Swimming, Softball, Tennis, Golf, Baseball, and Gymnastics (unless we host a state playoff event).

This is the first adjustment in ticket prices for most sports in nearly 10 years. In that time, operational costs have increased significantly, especially the cost of officials. These updates will help ensure we can continue offering a positive athletic experience for all of our student-athletes.

We appreciate your continued support of Decatur Athletics and look forward to seeing you at our games!

All boys interested in trying out for the soccer team this fall are invited to attend tryouts from August 18-20. Tryouts will be held at Ebster Field from 4:20 to 5:45.

Students should complete the Interest Form linked below to register.

Boys' Soccer Interest Form

Please have an updated DragonFly medical profile prior to tryouts.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Coach Derrick Burgess (dburgess@csdecatur.net)

Madison Deeb (BHMS, rising 8th grader) and Isaiah Lewis (DHS, rising senior) represented Dynamo Swim Club at the USA Swimming Futures Championships in Madison, Wisconsin—a national-level meet featuring top club and collegiate swimmers.

Great job, Madison and Isaiah! We’re proud of you and excited for the 2025–2026 swim season.

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

Friday - August 8 - Varsity Football vs. Josey High School (Scrimmage) - 7 PM

Saturday - August 9 - Varsity Softball vs. Midtown - 12 PM

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Monday - August 11 - Varsity Softball vs. Duluth - 5:30 PM

Thursday - August 14 - JV Softball vs. Druid Hills - 5:30 PM

Thursday - August 14 - Varsity Volleyball vs. Drew Charter - 5:30 PM

Saturday - August 16 - DHS / BHMS Cross Country Meet - Fowlkes Invitational - 7:30 AM

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.

In this episode of Sports Psychology for Athletes, listeners explore an important but often overlooked topic—how to take time off without guilt.

Whether it's due to injury, burnout, or just needing a break, many athletes feel pressure to always be training. This podcast helps reframe that mindset, reminding athletes—and parents—that rest is not a setback, it's a strategy.

For athletes: You'll learn how time off can actually improve your performance, confidence, and long-term development.

For parents: It’s a great reminder that supporting rest and recovery is just as important as cheering from the sidelines.

Building a strong athlete starts with a healthy mindset—and sometimes, that means embracing the pause.

As we launch into a new school year and athletic season, we encourage all families to take a few minutes to watch “Changing the Game in Youth Sports” by John O’Sullivan. This impactful TEDx talk explores how youth sports often lose sight of what matters most: the kids.

O’Sullivan shares a sobering statistic—70% of young athletes quit by age 13—and challenges us to shift our focus from adult-centered goals to environments where children can learn, grow, and enjoy the game. Importantly, he reminds us that being competitive and building a positive, supportive culture are not opposites—they actually fuel each other. When kids feel encouraged and valued, they’re more motivated, confident, and ready to compete at their best.

Why it matters: creating a space where fun, development, and healthy competition coexist not only keeps kids in the game longer but helps them thrive both on and off the field. Let’s work together to support that vision this year!

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"