A couple dozen people turned out for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Bearcat Athletic Support Foundation in uptown Wadesboro Friday afternoon.

“This crowd shows how much our community, young and old, support our athletes,” said Lynn Edwards, executive director of the Anson County Chamber of Commerce.

The store, located at 113 S. Greene St. (next to H.W. Little Hardware), offers a variety of shirts, shorts, sweatshirts, caps and other items, which are uniform approved for all of Anson’s schools.

“We are so glad this group has come and brought the Bearcats to uptown,” Mayor Bill Thacker said. He related a memory of when Anson’s colors became orange and blue, but the school didn’t have money to purchase new uniforms so the athletic teams still wore purple and gold.

“I’m so proud of what you’re doing out there on the field and in uptown,” he told the group of football and volleyball players on hand.

County Commission Chair Anna Baucom also spoke at the grand opening ceremony, saying it was “an exciting day” for the county. “You’re doing more than selling shirts and jackets,” she said. “You’re keeping our minds on athletics, which is very important.”

Joe Dutton, a supporter of the 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, Bearcat Athletic Support Foundation, said that Coach Jake Thomas founded the group and facilitated the opening of the new store. “The county funding just isn’t there,” Dutton said. “And a boosters club doesn’t cut it anymore.”

Through the foundation, Dutton said batting cage materials have been purchased for Anson Middle School, as well as food for the high school basketball team, travel for the volleyball team and help with the Chamber’s annual golf tournament.

“It’s a spirit store,” Dutton added. “It’s whatever you want it to be, Bearcat-wise.”

Jake Thomas, who’s the head strength coach and assistant head coach for the Bearcats football team, said new head football coach Ralph Jackson has called for “a return to dominance” for Anson sports, and that’s what the store is all about.

“We need that return to dominance, not only in athletics, but as a school and as a county,” Thomas said.

The store is open Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, contact Coach Thomas at 704-695-7071.

A ribbon cutting was held on Friday afternoon at the new Bearcat Athletic Support Foundation store in uptown Wadesboro.
https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_Ribbon-cutting.jpgA ribbon cutting was held on Friday afternoon at the new Bearcat Athletic Support Foundation store in uptown Wadesboro. Abby Cavenaugh | Anson Record

Members of the Anson High School football team were on hand for the opening of the new athletic store.
https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_Football-players.jpgMembers of the Anson High School football team were on hand for the opening of the new athletic store. Abby Cavenaugh | Anson Record

Anson High School volleyball players also attended the grand opening of the Bearcat Athletic Support Foundation.
https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_Volleyball-players.jpgAnson High School volleyball players also attended the grand opening of the Bearcat Athletic Support Foundation. Abby Cavenaugh | Anson Record

Joe Dutton spoke during the ribbon cutting ceremony at the new athletic store in uptown Wadesboro, which sells a variety of athletic shirts, shorts and other athletic wear.
https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_Joe-Dutton.jpgJoe Dutton spoke during the ribbon cutting ceremony at the new athletic store in uptown Wadesboro, which sells a variety of athletic shirts, shorts and other athletic wear. Abby Cavenaugh | Anson Record

By Abby Cavenaugh

acavenaugh@civitasmedia.com

Editor Abby Cavenaugh may be reached at 704-694-2161, ext. 2301 or on Twitter @TheAnsonRecord.