As you look around the stands at any Wildcat Football home game you may notice a large number of young Wildcat fans in football jerseys. These youngsters are no ordinary football fans, they are the Cat Buddies of the Las Vegas High School Football Program. We are entering the tenth season of the Cat Buddy Program and each season the program has grown with great success. The Cat Buddy Program is designed to match 4th and 5th grade students with our athletes at Las Vegas High School. We want our athletes to accept the responsibility of being positive role models in our community. We also know our athletes benefit greatly when they have someone who looks up to them and supports them in their athletic efforts. These special relationships can be a springboard for increased self-esteem in both the “Big Cat Buddy” and the “Little Buddy”, as well as being a morale booster during the school year for all the participants.

During the football season, our Cat Buddies cheer on their favorite Wildcat players at all home games. Twice a year, the Big Cat Buddies pay back the Cat Buddies for their support by conducting a fall football camp. This camp allow our Cat Buddies to experience football the Wildcat way! During the 2006 football season, the Cat Buddies had a great time visiting with their Big Cat Buddies after the game and provided the support in helping the Wildcats win the State Championship.