CADIZ — High school boosters organizations are only as strong as the people in them.

And at Harrison Central High School, the Huskies have rock solid support from the Huskies Sports Foundation.

But, lately, there have been cracks in the group from the standpoint of not having enough folks to keep it solvent. And because of that, President Rick Ferri issued a letter last week stating just how perilous the situation is.

“The Huskies Sports Foundation (formerly known as the the Harrison Central Boosters Club) is at a crossroads in its existence,” he wrote in a letter dated May 1.

“Without additional membership, or willing members to ascend to leadership positions, the foundation will cease operations on December 31, 2019.”

Ferri said during a telephone conversation Friday that his letter stunned many, so much so that at a meeting of the group last week a handful of younger folks attended pledging their desire to help.

“We had some young coaches and their wives show up and they told us they will absolutely not let this booster club go under,” said Ferri, nearing two decades as the organization’s head. ‘They were so upset with even the idea of the club going out of business.

“Since I put that letter out, I’ve probably received 20 or so texts from people — younger people — that want to get involved. And, if they follow through, we’ll be fine.

“If they don’t…”

Formed in 1999 upon the consolidation of Cadiz, Jewett-Scio and Lakeland high schools, the Huskie Sports Foundation has donated more than $750K and countless hours in an effort to provide Harrison Central athletes with quality equipment and facilities.

Among the items the foundation provides, according to Ferri, are — shoes for all athletes in all sports, budget support for all coaches in all sports, scholarships and awards for student-athletes. The Huskies Bandit Lottery is another key contributor, aiding facility capital improvements such as the weight room, stadium and gym.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg, though, Ferri said.

“It’s unreal the money we raise and spend,” he said. “That’s what we’re here for. We don’t make the money to keep it. We spend it.

“We spend the money on the kids and we spend it on facilities.”

The real issue is with an aging membership, Ferri said.

“The people that show up all the time are the same age as me,” he said. “I turned 66 last week and everyone is at least that old or older.”

This point was driven home in the letter.

“Current foundation officers have held their positions for over 10 years,” he said in the letter. “Major project chairs have held their positions for over 15 years. Continuity and longevity have their benefit; however, it is time for new leadership and energy. We need help.”

That, in essence, is the heart of the matter.

“We’re just trying to get some young blood in,” Ferri said.

There are about 50 paid members in the foundation, however, Ferris is concerned only a handful are doing the major work. And those that are doing that work are aging and ready to pass the baton to a new corp of leaders.

“I really, really do believe that people are going to step up we’re going to survive,” Ferri said.

“I’m going to stay another year as president. But my problem is my secretary wants to resign and my treasurer wants to resign.”

The foundation’s vice president has already stepped down.

“They’re not going anywhere, but they just want to give up their positions,” Ferri clarified.

Ferri said the timing of the letter resulted from the fact that work on the 2019 football programs begins soon and he needed to make sure the organization was on solid footing before moving forward.

“We have to start right now doing our program ads,” he stressed. “That takes a lot of work.”

Work, he hopes, can be continued by a new influx of members.

“We have to have some younger parents to help out,” Ferri said. “When you lose three or four officers and I can’t get anyone to replace them what are you going to do?”

Ferri’s optimism increased following last week’s meeting, but the proof is in the pudding, he noted.

“It’s still dire,” he said. “We have 70 some members and it’s still the same 10 or 12 that work all the fundraisers. We’re too old for that now. But we do it, and we pay for it.

“If no one steps up in the next five weeks, we’ll have to close the doors.”