Although they know more money is unlikely, Norwin High School's hockey club officials would like a little more support from the school.

Hockey club President Al DeMarchi explained to the school board members that approximately 40 students per year play hockey, and those students face fees of $1,400 a year to pay for equipment, rink time and league dues.

DeMarchi said the high school club team has to compete with non-scholastic club teams for members, and those teams only have to charge $700 to $900 a year because they have outside financing.

"All of the best athletes who play football can play here. All of the best athletes who play hockey have a choice," DeMarchi said.

Acknowledging that hockey was an expensive sport, DeMarchi pointed out that a few local school districts provide some support to club teams.

Penn Trafford gives its hockey club $7,500; Hempfield, $10,000; and Latrobe, $15,000, according to DeMarchi.

"Any type of increase of funding we would get would certainly help," he said.

The main focus of DeMarchi's remarks however, was non-monetary support. He thanked the board for some support already given, such as the team's inclusion in the yearbook and varsity letter program.

But, he pointed out hockey players did not get some things other varsity sports did. DeMarchi said the team's request to use the weight room had been denied, as had its request to have cheerleaders come to Senior Night.

Club officials also requested to be included in the fall sports schedule fliers distributed to parents and community members, have its games placed on the activities calendar and receive a spot in the trophy case to display its awards.

"I guess what we're asking for is to be recognized as a varsity sport in all manner except financially," DeMarchi said. "Hockey's a growing sport in the area. The players who play are proud to do so."

School board President Robert Perkins said the board would look into the team's non-financial requests. He noted that, without promising anything, the board would look at next year's budget and see what financial support is available.