Booster clubs have become big parts of many high school football programs, raising thousands of dollars for the team. At West Allegheny, the players and coaches virtually feast on the boosters in the preseason.

For the first two weeks of practice, the West Allegheny boosters serve three meals a day to players and coaches. They have been doing it ever since Bob Palko took over as coach in the mid 1990s.

Many teams eat at the school during training camp. But it's hard to fathom another booster club making three meals a day for a team, like it does at West Allegheny.

The West Allegheny boosters don't serve just simple things, either. They serve the biggest meal at lunch, and here are a few lunches from this year: Turkey and stuffing; chicken and broccoli alfredo with chicken teriyaki over rice; beef with au gratin potatoes and green beans.

Breakfasts were usually cereal, bagels and juice "because the kids usually aren't too hungry in the morning," said Maree Campbell, a booster member in charge of the food for training camp.

Dinners were usually soup, a sandwich and a salad bar. One night, the dinner menu included pepperoni rolls and wedding soup.

"I eat better these two weeks than I do all year," said Mark Davis, a West Allegheny assistant coach.

"These people cook better than my mom," said Nate Kencec, a West Allegheny senior lineman.

At many schools, the cafeteria workers make one meal for the players during camp. But at West Allegheny, the boosters cook everything because the school allows them use the cafeteria.

During the two weeks of training camp, Campell, who has a son, Cole, on the team, spent more than 12 hours a day in the cafeteria, preparing and serving the food. She usually arrived at 5:30 a.m., and left at 8 p.m. Usually five or six other parents help her. Palko's mother even helped prepare food.

The boosters pay for most of the food, but the players have to pay a minimal amount (usually $2 a day). The players also have the opportunity to fundraise for the fee, if they choose.

"These people are great to do this," Bob Palko said.

"We do it because we love the kids, we love seeing them play and Bob is a great guy," Campbell said. "Bob does so much for these kids, so if we can help any way, we try."