The original Bobcat Boosters were a student-led organization called “The Boosters.”  They were founded in 1919 with the “sole idea of backing school athletics and activities of every sort in the G.H.S.” That first year they sold season sports passes for $1.50.  This student-led booster group continued in some fashion until the early 1970’s.

The current Bobcat Booster organization was organized in 1943 as a group of a dozen fathers of Grandview Heights students.  Their contributions consisted of the purchase of sports equipment and organizing the Grandview Heights Family Day, among other things.

“Speaking of fathers - those in Grandview have organized a club called the “Bobcat Boosters.” They have backed our teams in every athletic event and have given several parties for the student body. Their purpose is to give our teams good civic support and to support and to supply them with the best in athletic equipment. We think they are wonderful.” - 1944 GHHS Yearbook “The Highlander”

J.B. Keitz organized the original fourteen Bobcat Boosters beginning in 1943. Keitz was an avid Bobcat fan whose sons were talented athletes. There are also press accounts that during a game against Bexley in the mid-40’s, Keitz along with several Boosters and fans collapsed a portion of the stands “in their leaping excitement.” Likely not a coincidence that upgraded stands were an early Booster expenditure.

In 1945, the Bobcat Boosters raised and donated money through a variety of activities including paper drives to help build the new stadium lights. Many local dignitaries including Ohio Governor Frank Lausche were in attendance.

“Our new stadium lights, standing as a tribute to the Grandview boys who gave their lives for our country, were made possible by the efforts of a group of men in our community. This group has become so interested in our school activities that they have contributed many athletic improvements. With respect, admiration, and appreciation for all they have done for us, and with the sincere hope that we may in some small way show them our gratitude, we, the class of 1946, dedicate this Highlander to the Bobcat Boosters.”

The Bobcat Boosters were formed to help spur greater community support for Grandview Heights’ sports teams through investment in better equipment and facilities. In addition to lighting the football field, early Booster support included expanding the stadium’s seating capacity, upgraded press box and a new baseball field. By lighting the field to enable night games, more local residents were able to come and ticket sales skyrocketed from $1,600 for 1944 day games to $11,000 for 1945 night games. A crowd of 8,000 fans watched the Bobcats narrowly lose to the Golden Bears of Upper Arlington in 1946 in their annual rivalry game. The Cats would have their revenge in 1947 when they went undefeated to win the Central Buckeye League football title.

In 1948, Bobcat Boosters, Inc. sponsored their first advertisement in the Grandview Heights yearbook, a tradition that continues to this day. Also sponsoring ads in the 1948 “The Highlander” are some familiar names. They include Rife’s Market, Grandview Theater, Deyo Funeral Home, Gus Amicon Grocery, Grandview Cycle Shop, W.W. Williams Co, and Grandview Cleaners.

While the first record of an Ox Roast in Grandview Heights is in 1921, The Bobcat Boosters’ association with the event begins in 1956.

From the Grandview Heights Marble Cliff Historical Society:

“This 58 year old handbill was used to announce the Ox Roast that coincided with the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the city of Grandview Heights. At that time Pierce Field was known as Oxley Field. Notice the date of the celebration was late October. Tickets were sold for the event and cost $1. It appears that the Ox Roast was limited to one day and it was sponsored jointly by the Bobcat Boosters and the Grandview Baseball Association.”

Bobcat Boosters Scholarship Program

The Bobcat Boosters have given out annual scholarships since 1950. These scholarships are given out every year to graduating seniors and are supported by Bobcat Booster fundraising activities throughout the year. Students interested in scholarships submit essays to a scholarship committee of Booster members who then make recommendations to the full board of members to vote on. In 1950 the annual scholarship fund was $150. In 2024 it is $15,000.

Student-Run Games at the Ox Roast

1965 is the first mention of student-run games at the Ox Roast and it continues to be an important fundraising opportunity for teams and classes for both middle and high school.

“The first of these many and varied projects was working September 12-14 at the Ox Roast held annually by the Bobcat Boosters. Each class in the high school operated two games on the midway, and the juniors ranked second in the amount of profit taken in.” - GHHS Yearbook “The Highlander”

“Pit Lighting” at the Ox Roast

Since at least 1968 (pictured), Seniors have lit the pit at the Ox Roast accompanied by their fellow students, the marching band and Grandview Heights residents. The Ox is then cooked over coals that are tended to by volunteers and Bobcat Booster members. The Ox is ready to be sliced and served for lunch on Saturday.

“Dave Evans and Joe Kurelic do their job willingly as the pep band and football squad members look on.” -1968 GHHS Yearbook