Mar. 9 was the annual Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Run, a 5K run each year by the Cypress Lake Athletics Department. This was the second year back post-Covid and the Athletic Department couldn’t be more thrilled. Athletic Director Betty Rodriguez explained that the scope of the race continues to grow. Even before the pandemic and Hurricane Ian, the Shrimp Run had around 300 runners. This year, after a slow start-up since the hurricane there were upwards of 400 runners registered.
Coach Rodriguez said, “This is a huge fundraiser for our athletes… We have few costs which makes it a very good fundraising opportunity.” Beyond Cypress Lake Athletics, the Shrimp Run helps give back to the community of Fort Myers Beach, especially in a time where they have been greatly affected by extreme weather and attempting to rebuild, through CLHS’s partnership with the Lions Club.
Year after year runners express how fun it is to be met and cheered on by Cypress’s athletes, who either run the race or volunteer at the event, handing out water and cheering on participants. Varsity Lacrosse player and cheerleader Kamryn Hayes expressed that, “It was so fun to cheer on the runners and encourage them to keep going.”
Many students and staff also choose to run the race each year. Sophomore Carter Gurule said, “I originally went because a teacher was offering extra credit, but I’m so glad I ran. It was really fun running with my friends.” The Shrimp Run helps get our athletes involved in the community, and helps to pour money back into their teams to improve our athletic programs.
Each year a traveling shrimp trophy is awarded to the teacher with the fastest time, and we are pleased to celebrate this year’s teacher winner from the Math department, Mrs. Roeth.
Another crucial part of sports fundraising is the newly re-formed Booster Club. Slowly gaining more traction, the Booster Club works to financially support Cypress Lake’s Athletic Programs indirectly. They are currently selling CLHS merchandise including blankets and senior yard signs. Keep a look out for them at sporting events or visit the Media Center for on-campus merch.
