The Maize and Blue Fund awarded the girls and boys volleyball programs $3,550 for the purchase of an Acuspike Trainer.  The Acuspike Trainer enables proper training for the very important and difficult skill of a volleyball spike.  Training begins with proper footwork, jump, and arm swing without a ball.  Adding the ball through the Acuspike Trainer completes the training process and increases spiking skills and confidence of the student athletes.    

The Maize and Blue Fund awarded the girls and boys cross-country and track & field programs $2,000 for the purchase of a 10’ x 20’ team tent to be used at cross-country meets.  The maize and blue tent will proudly include “St. Joseph Bears” graphics and will serve as a “home base” at meets.  The tent will also house all gear for 100+ student athletes.  The tent will be used by the cross-country teams during the fall season and the track & field teams during the spring season.  

Starting in the 2025–2026 school year, all SJPS students will receive free admission to home athletic events, thanks to support from The Maize and Blue Athletic Fund. Previously, students were required to pay the full $7.00 admission fee, which often limited attendance and placed a strain on families. In collaboration with SJPS administration, the Fund’s Board of Directors recognized that increased student attendance creates a more spirited, unified environment that benefits both athletes and the broader school community.

The Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) is a national nonprofit that trains coaches to create positive, empowering experiences for student-athletes. To bring this approach to SJPS, the Athletic Department proposed a three-year PCA training program for all coaches. A generous donor funded the first year, and The Maize and Blue Athletic Fund committed to years two and three—investing in better coaching to enhance the student-athlete experience.

Maize Craze t-shirts are making an exciting comeback for the 2025–2026 school year, thanks in part to support from The Maize and Blue Athletic Fund. Offered at a discounted price to all SJPS students, staff, and administrators, these shirts help unite the school community with a bold show of pride at athletic events and Maize Craze days. Whether on the field or in the classroom, everyone can wear their spirit and be part of something bigger.

The girls' softball and boys' baseball fields at Dickinson Park received major upgrades thanks to a generous seven-figure gift from Bob and Carol Gerbel, creating a top-tier environment for SJPS athletes. A $15,000 donation to The Maize and Blue Athletic Fund later funded the addition of professionally designed bullpens at the softball field—completing a key enhancement ahead of the 2025 season.