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SPORTS BOOSTERS Crater spirit infuses Central Point The success of Crater High's football team has the town dressed up Comment By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune Posted Nov. 12, 2015 at 6:04 PM Updated Nov 12, 2015 at 6:22 PM By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune Posted Nov. 12, 2015 at 6:04 PM Updated Nov 12, 2015 at 6:22 PM » Social News The energy and visual displays in downtown Central Point supporting the Crater High Comets' bid for a state championship aren't exactly an attempt to compete with the storied fame of the small town portrayed in the 2004 movie "Friday Night Lights," but most die-hard Comet fans wouldn't object to the comparison. With the undefeated team heading for tonight's Class 5A football state quarterfinal — if they win tonight against Central they'll be one of four teams remaining — downtown shops are stepping up to show their support. Businesses have posted "Crater Nation" posters in their windows, are flying orange and black banners and balloons and have painted their windows in orange and black. Art 4 Joy owner Kim Samitore adorned her new art school storefront with paintings of the Crater Comet, a popular "Crater Nation" logo and additional smatterings of school spirit. "I'm an art studio, so I figured I should paint, so we painted our window to show our support. Especially with it being a smaller school and them being undefeated and possibly state champion, it's a pretty big deal," Samitore said. "There are a lot of folks who have downtown businesses and live inside city limits and are former Crater graduates, so that's definitely creating some momentum. I feel like local businesses should support the kids no matter where any of us went to school." Rick Samuelson, co-owner of Judy's Central Point Florist and a City Council member, said the energy downtown was encouraging. "I'm excited about it, and I think a lot of people are. I'll be at the game on Friday for sure. It's good football. Everyone is putting up signs. A few weeks ago, I drove by and the fire truck was out with its lights on, firefighters watching the game," Samuelson said. "This week will be the last home game, so I think they'll have an even more competitive game. Whether they put up a sign or not, I don't know a business in town that doesn't support Crater." Pearl and Penna Bridal Boutique owner Johanna Fowler, who prompted the window sign campaign, said she was excited for the local team. "I think some of those businesses that have been around for a really long time remember some of the traditions, so I think it would be fun to bring some of those back. The signs were just a small way we could show our support," said Fowler. "It's easy to get stuck in business mode, so it's good to remember we're part of something bigger and part of the community. I'd love to see kids come out and paint windows like they used to." Jan Bettenburg, who has owned Fidelity Print Shop for three decades with her husband, Rick, said the momentum seemed to be building by the day. Bettenburg remembers painted windows in decades past but said the "Crater Nation" signs are equally heartfelt. Fidelity offered up 50 free signs and continued selling them, in various sizes and some with team player numbers included, through this week. Many local residents have taken to social media to recall Crater alumni Dwight Harsh, Crater's "biggest fan" who passed away last year. Harsh, known for ringing his cowbell, would be overjoyed at his alma mater's success this season, they said. Samuelson, Bettenburg and Samitore all talked of Harsh Thursday. "I could just see him there with his cowbell. If you sat right next to it, your ears would be ringing. He'd really be ringing it now," Bettenburg said. "What's been great for us is when you have success like this, it brings your student body together," said Crater Athletic Director David Heard. Heard said the school was nominating itself for top student section of the season. "It's been unbelievable the number of kids on rooter buses and who have showed up at games and the energy they're bringing. I think the community has jumped onto the backs of that," Heard said. "We've got a bell hanging above Dwight's seat at the stadium, in his honor. We put that up last year, even though OSAA doesn't allow cowbells. I really think we're going to win tomorrow night. Maybe he's got something to do with it. He's probably up there ringing his bell!" Reach Medford freelance writer Buffy Pollock at [email protected]. By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune Posted Nov. 12, 2015 at 6:04 PM Updated Nov 12, 2015 at 6:22 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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