A commemorative media guide is more than just a keepsake—it’s a fundraising tool, a storytelling platform, and a celebration of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences your athletes share. Whether you’re creating a guide for football, wrestling, basketball, cheer, or any other sport, the right mix of content makes your guide both valuable and memorable.
Below, we’ve outlined the best sections to include, with examples and ideas you can customize for your school and sport.
Cover Design: Feature the school logo, sport, season, and a powerful action photo of athletes or a team moment.
Welcome Message: Include a short introduction from the athletic director, principal, or booster club president.
Example:
"Welcome to the 2025 Wildcats Football Season! This year has been full of unforgettable moments, and this guide is dedicated to the athletes, families, and sponsors who made it all possible."
Highlight each athlete with a headshot, jersey number, position, and a short bio.
Include fun facts or “favorites” (e.g., favorite pre-game meal, inspirational quote).
Make it personal and memorable for families and friends.
Example Layout:
| #12 | Sarah Johnson | Guard | "Dream big, work hard, stay humble." |
Full team photo for the current season.
Include a caption with names listed left-to-right by row.
For graduating seniors, consider adding a “Senior Spotlight” spread.
Provide quick-reference details for fans and families.
Rosters: Include jersey number, name, position, year, and height/weight if relevant.
Schedules: Include date, opponent, location, and key rivalries or tournaments.
Highlight special events like “Senior Night,” homecoming, or playoffs.
Give voice to the people shaping the athletes’ experiences.
Messages from coaches can reflect on the season, teamwork, and goals.
Principals, athletic directors, or booster presidents can add a note of pride and gratitude.
Example Excerpt:
"I couldn’t be prouder of the resilience and heart our team showed this season. These student-athletes embody what it means to be a Wildcat!"
— Coach Smith
Commemorate key achievements:
Final season record and conference standings.
Notable victories or tournament wins.
Individual highlights: top scorers, MVPs, and personal bests.
Optional: Include QR codes linking to highlight reels, photo galleries, or full stats.
Dedicate a section to standout athletes:
Player of the Week or Season.
Record-breakers or milestone moments.
Captains and leadership recognition.
Use action photos here to make it visually compelling.
Include short, engaging write-ups about:
Inspirational team moments.
Behind-the-scenes stories.
Overcoming adversity or celebrating a comeback season.
This section brings heart and personality to the guide.
Highlight the student groups that make the school experience vibrant:
Cheerleading squads
Dance teams
Marching band
Student leadership, pep clubs, and other campus organizations
This cross-program collaboration encourages broader community support.
A vital part of any commemorative guide is fundraising.
Feature sponsor ads of local businesses that supported your team.
Use a mix of large ads, banner placements, and “Thank You” sections.
Highlight repeat sponsors or “gold level” contributors.
Include candid photos from games, pep rallies, and school events.
Invite parents, students, and fans to submit their favorite snapshots.
Optional: Add a QR code linking to a larger digital gallery.
Close the guide with a heartfelt invitation to continue supporting the program:
Promote booster memberships.
Encourage ordering commemorative ads or plaques.
Include a QR code for online donations or next season’s sponsorship sales page.
Commemorative media guides aren’t just keepsakes—they’re fundraising engines that celebrate the hard work of student-athletes while supporting the future of school programs. Every photo, story, and statistic creates lasting memories while inviting the community to invest in student success.