JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Raines High School is gearing up for an exciting showdown against Miami Northwestern in the state championship this weekend in Miami. The local community is rallying behind the team, showing unwavering support as the big day approaches.
MORE|Ichiban! Raines headed to championship game after edging Booker | ‘The happiest news I could hear’: Former NFL player, Raines alumnus excited ahead of state championship game
The enthusiasm among Raines High School alumni is high. Jimmie Hackley, a former track star and owner of Jimi Hack, is channeling this energy into supporting the team.
“This is our tradition,” Hackley said. “I mean, I wouldn’t expect nothing less. It is Coach Masline’s turn again to get back there and do what he needs to do to finish the job that we set out to get done this year. So he’s gonna do that.”
Hackley has taken a personal interest in the team’s journey, especially after learning about their financial needs for the trip.
“Simply the Viking leadership put out a call to the Viking community that they were in need of $50,000,” he explained. “I heard that after the fact to where I saw a post regarding the charter buses that they needed about 10 grand for that. So I took that personally.”
In response, Hackley began designing and selling gear for fans to wear during the championship weekend. Items like varsity jackets, camo pants, jerseys, and trucker hats are available for Viking fans to show their support.
As fans eagerly purchase their gear, Hackley reflected on the team’s impact on the community.
“Oh, absolutely,” he said when asked if the team’s success is uniting the community. “That’s what we tend to do as Vikings. So whether it’s our cousins across the street revolt in basketball or whether it’s us in football, we’re going to all come together and support either way.”
Proceeds from the apparel sales will benefit the Vikings sports program.
To purchase apparel for the big game, you can check out JimiHack.