The Fully Automated Timing System (F.A.T.) purchased by the boosters this year for track has received great reviews from the track community. The system is comprised of a camera on top of a pole located at the finish line. The system is linked to the press box, scoreboard and start/finish lines. Times from the system can be immediately displayed on the scoreboard and can print photo finish pictures with names and times of each competitor. It has improved efficiency and coordination of scoring while eliminating human error. This improved system will allow West High to host large track meets including sectional meets for both boys and girls.

In August 2004, a new scoreboard with a scrolling message board was purchased through the Richard Zuege Memorial fund and the Sports Boosters. The Booster's contribution was $30,000. The new scoreboard is used by the football, soccer and track teams. It is also used for any special events held at Ken Zimmerman field such as homecoming activities and graduation.

Summer of 2003 saw a brand new all-weather track installed at West. The boosters funded $75,000 (over half) the project.  The track is used not only for boys and girls track, but by all sports for conditioning. Additionally, PE classes (both West and Jefferson) and all of our middle school track programs use the track as well.

In April 2002, memorial monies donated by the family and friends of George Schoof, Barbara Whitford, and Jan Mont were used to purchase two new flag poles. These poles will be used for contests taking place on the varsity baseball diamond, football fields, the varsity softball diamond, and the tennis area.

The Blackhawk Boosters have authorized the spending of roughly $18,000 in the gym and field house. Upgrades include new glass backboards for both the boys and the girls, new backboards on the main court in memory of Larry Sector, and conversion of all gym baskets to electronic key operated controls. Wayne Nelson memorial money will also be used in this project. These projects will benefit all 6 levels of boys basketball and all 5 levels of girls basketball. In addition, it will make setting up the facilities faster and easier for the coaches and maintenance staff.

About $13,500 has been authorized for upgrading the aluminum seating facilities around our complex. 6 new sets of bleachers have been purchased as have 5 new sets of team benches. These purchases were made from Belson Outdoors of North Aurora. The Blackhawk boosters are proud of their community connection! The seating upgrade will be utilized by just about every in our sports program in all three seasons. The diamonds and soccer field will get new seating as will the indoor sports that use the field house: volleyball, basketball, wrestling, track, and badminton. Benches will also be used by football in the Fall!! A great purchase that benefits all sports!!

In December 2001, the Blackhawk Boosters used the remainder of the Fabian donation to purchase three lighted, padded scoring tables at a cost of $6,500. These tables greatly increase the look of our facilities and have been used with many indoor sports--basketball, wrestling, and volleyball. They provide the necessary space for the table workers, officials, and the media.