New Scoreboards Shine in Gym

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The St. Francis Catholic High School gymnasium features a new state-of-the-art scoreboard made possible by a generous donation from Big Hairy Dog, a local company owned by parents Sandy and Mick Malaney.

“We think the St. Francis administration runs a great school and an amazing athletic department,” said Sandy Malaney, CEO and Co-Founder.  “We have watched from the sidelines and seen everything. We think the way you run the athletic department is top notch and wanted to help enhance it. We like anything that is excellent and strive to make our company excellent. It is a good partnership.”

The scoreboard includes a message center with graphic and video capabilities with live statistic boards that heighten the overall student-athlete and fan experience in the building. The board was purchased and installed last February in time for a St. Francis basketball playoff game and has made its regular season debut with the volleyball season.

“We are so excited to show off our new scoreboard, a reflection of our commitment to excellence in athletics and another way to showcase our amazing student athletes,” said President Theresa Rodgers. “We appreciate the generosity of Big Hairy Dog for their efforts in improving our facilities!”

The Malaneys have been involved with the Athletic Department with daughter Maggie ’18, who has played both volleyball and basketball over the last four years. She is only the second player since 1993 to letter in the two sports.

“She has loved her experience at St. Francis,” said Malaney. “She has played (outside) club in both volleyball and basketball and she is the happiest when she is with her high school sports teams. She has learned how to work hard and how it can pay off, as well as what it means to be part of a team.”

The board was purchased from Nevco and includes new scoreboards on both sides of the gym, providing split court scoring capabilities for tournaments.

Malaney suggested the idea of a new board after seeing a board at an opponent school.  

“We had the idea and you guys took it to the next level,” said Malaney of the athletics department staff.

Athletic Director Mark McGreevy researched boards at schools across the area and developed the wish list for the features the school would like to include in the project.

“We’re so thankful for this generous donation on many levels,” said McGreevy, who is in his sixth season with the school.  “Our new scoreboard and video board not only enriches the game day experience for our volleyball and basketball athletes and fans but we’ve also been able to incorporate it in other school events while providing creative and educational opportunities for our Sports Media Club.”

Malaney says the donation represents her appreciation for her daughter’s St. Francis experience.

“I am thankful she gets to be a young lady and be herself at St. Francis,” said Malaney of the all-girl experience. “She has become a strong leader as well as a team player. The confidence level of the girls at St. Francis, both academically and athletically, is tremendous. She has developed into her true self at the school.”

Caption: Dugan and Paisley, the official mascots of Big Hairy Dog Retail Relationships, pose with Maggie Malaney and her teammates on the St. Francis volleyball team.