How Yuma Catholic High School Created Opportunity for Every Student Through Game Day Production

A High Performing School in a Tight Knit Community

Located in Yuma, Arizona, a community shaped by agriculture, military service and deep local roots, Yuma Catholic High School stands out as the only private school in the area – and one of its most competitive athletic programs in the region.

“Our teams are consistently in the playoffs,” said Athletic Director Jeff Welsing. “We won seven conference championships last year and seven the year before.”

That tradition matters. But what’s happening at Yuma Catholic goes beyond wins and losses.

Building on Athletic Tradition to Create Opportunity

In a place where athletics are a central part of school culture, Yuma Catholic saw an opportunity to expand the experience while keeping what makes it special.

“It’s nice when you're warming up and the other team is supposed to be stretching, but they’re all staring at the scoreboard,” said Yuma Catholic president and head football coach Rhett Stallworth.

From one of the largest high school football scoreboards in Arizona to LED video displays and shot clocks in the gym, the school made an intentional investment in game day experience.

Students Behind the Screen, Finding Their Role

“We wanted to make sure all our kids could be involved,” Welsing said.

That mindset is the reason the school incorporated the DakClassroom CTE curriculum into their academic lineup, so students who may not be in athletics can still play a meaningful role through video production and live event production.

Students take on real roles during events, including:

• Creating highlight videos and graphics for game day and events
• Operating cameras during games and activities
• Running the video board during live events
• Producing content like interviews, features, and pre game elements

Former student Dani Raymond said her experience was beneficial to her classmates, too. “I learned how to work the board, and then I started teaching my classmates,” she explained.

Learning Real Skills on the Same Systems Used in College

Students can use their skills and know-how beyond high school events.

“This is the same system they use in college and with bigger productions,” Raymond said.

Welsing says that creates a head start for students who want to continue building on their high school experience. “When they get to college, they already have experience and knowledge.”

In fact, there are now students on a wait list for the program.

“Students were able to move up because they could say, ‘I know how to do this,’” said film crew teacher Chris Schiller.

Creating Experiences That Bring the Community In

From rivalry games to weekly traditions, the content created by students helps shape how families and fans experiences events.

“We did interviews with students, alumni and coaches,” Schiller said. “The kids created something that felt important for the whole city.”

From pre game player recognitions to highlight packages and fan engagement, the boards have become an important part of how Yuma Catholic celebrates its students.

An Audio Experience That Brings the Whole Community Together

At Yuma Catholic, the experience isn’t just visual – it’s something the entire community can feel.

“We have a Mass in the gym every Tuesday,” said Welsing. “The audio in here is better than the best churches in Arizona.”

From athletic events to weekly Mass, the sound system helps bring students, families, and the community together.

“It sounds amazing,” Stallworth added. “If we turn it up too loud, it’ll rattle the windows.”

Investing in Something That Delivers Long Term Value

When it came time to invest, school leadership made a strategic decision.

“It came down to, do we do a turf field, or do we do a big scoreboard,” Stallworth said. “With the scoreboard, we’re going to get more out of it.”

That decision was made possible through local support.

“The scoreboard on the football field was funded by one sponsor, a car dealership here in town,” Welsing said.

From the start, the board was designed to do more than enhance game day. It created opportunities across the school, including:

• Expanded student involvement beyond athletics
• Greater recognition across academics and activities
• More content opportunities for events and promotions
• Additional revenue through sponsorships

To support and expand those efforts, Yuma Catholic also leverages programs like Daktronics Sports Marketing help support efforts like these, giving schools a framework to build sponsorships and generate ongoing value from their video boards.

“We were able to generate income,” Stallworth said.

That combination of student opportunity, visibility and financial sustainability continues to shape what the school is able to build next.

Watch the Yuma Catholic Story

Yuma Catholic High School’s story shows what happens when a school builds on strong traditions and creates space for more students to be part of the experience.

Watch the full Yuma Catholic story

And explore more schools creating opportunity in Stories Beyond the Display.