CSD Athletics: Bulldog News

Bulldog Families,

As we prepare for another school year, we are excited to announce that we have our very own 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. Follow the instructions below to get set up. 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.

The BHMS Boys' Soccer program is committed to developing great people, great students, and great soccer players. We are looking for student-athletes who are willing to work hard, compete with a positive attitude, encourage their teammates, and represent Beacon Hill Middle School with pride both on and off the field. All students interested in participating in tryouts should complete the INTEREST FORM HERE.

Teams

• Combined 6th & 7th Grade Team – Coach Derrick
• 8th Grade Team – Coach Jeff

Tryout Dates

• Monday, August 17 - 4:05 PM – 5:30 PM - Ebster Field
• Tuesday, August 18 - 4:05 PM – 5:30 PM - Ebster Field
• Wednesday, August 19 - 4:05 PM – 5:30 PM - Ebster Field

The DHS Softball team welcomes any new students to tryout for the team on August 4. The tryout will begin at 4:15 PM at Oakhurst Park. Reach out to Coach Taryn Williams (twilliams@csdecatur.net) for details.

Is your child interested in trying out for Cross Country in the Fall, 2006? If so, please review and complete the interest form: 2026 BHMS Cross Country Informational Form

Tryouts will be held from 4:00 pm to 5:15 pm on the following dates:
Monday, August 10th: (Boys Tryouts) @ Winnona Park Elementary Playground
Tuesday, August 11th: (Girls Tryouts) @ Winnona Park Elementary Playground

Athletes must have a current physical uploaded in Dragonfly in order to tryout.

Students interested in trying out for the BHMS Volleyball program should attend tryouts from August 11-13. Tryouts will be held in the Beacon Hill Gymnasium from 4-6 PM.

Interested students should complete the INTEREST FORM HERE to receive communication from coaches.

New students to Decatur High who did not get an opportunity to tryout in the Spring should attend tryouts on August 10 and 11 from 4-5:30. Tryouts will take place in the DHS Gym. Reach out to Coach Spriggs (gospriggs@gmail.com) and Coach Tigner (mtigner@csdecatur.net) prior to tryouts to express your interest.

Our players and coaches took the stage at @ScoreAtlanta Media Day to discuss the brutal summer work and the big goals we’ve set for this season. Next stop? The historic Corky Kell Classic on August 20th at Blessed Trinity!

Be on the lookout for ticket info—we need the best fans in the state filling those bleachers and making noise. Let's make it a home-field advantage!

We are thrilled to announce that Decatur Football has been selected to participate in the 2026 Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic! For those who know Georgia football, this is the premier kickoff event of the season, showcasing the state's most elite programs. This is a historic milestone for our team and a fantastic opportunity to showcase Bulldog Nation on a massive stage.

📅 Mark Your Calendars

• The Matchup: Decatur vs. Blessed Trinity

• Date: Thursday, August 20

• Location: Blessed Trinity High School

We are looking for a sea of Blue and Gold to travel with us and show the state what our community is all about. Get your Presale Tickets HERE to secure your spot at this exciting season opener. Let’s show up loud and proud for our boys! Go 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

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

@Decatur Bulldog Boosters

@rwtd5k

@decaturbulldogbash

We're excited to start the 2026-2027 school year! See the opening dates for each Fall Varsity team below:

August 6 - Varsity Softball Opener @ Pace Academy - 5:45 PM

August 6 - Varsity Volleyball Opener @ Riverwood

August 14 - Varsity Football Scrimmage vs. Miller Grove - 7:00 PM

August 15 - Cross Country Meet - Fowlkes Invitational at Legacy Park - 7:30 AM

Throughout the year, we have used 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.