Participating in sports is a shared experience for many high school students who spend countless hours practicing, playing, and honing their skills. These shared moments often turn teammates into family.

That sense of family is strong in the athletic programs at East Robertson High School in Cross Plains. Many students there grew up playing sports together, forming bonds that last long after the final shot is taken.

The ERHS golf team is no exception. The players enjoy the game and the chance to represent their school, albeit in a lower-profile sport than the big three of football, basketball and baseball.

Nashville recording artist and up-and-coming country music singer, Maddox Batson, who once walked the same halls and shared classes with many of the current golfers, used his platform to make a difference. Partnering with Good Good Golf, Batson provided the East Robertson golf team with custom hats and polos, golf balls, and matching bags that featured players’ names and the Indians logo.

“It was something that I could do,” Batson says. “Not only are those on the team my former classmate, but they would have been my teammates, too. Being on the road, I can’t go physically attend school, but if I were, I’d be on the golf team. For me, this was just a small way to show support.”

For the players, the donation brought more than new gear — it brought new energy. Sophomore P.T. Flippo said the team felt an immediate boost of confidence, not just in how they looked but in how they carried themselves on and off the course. He shared that the gift made them feel respected and recognized, “like we got the same recognition as the other sports teams.”

Mac Jepson, a senior member of the team, shared that when the gear arrived, everyone was excited. At first, the players knew they were getting new bags, but when they opened the boxes and found high-quality polos and accessories from Good Good Golf, they were amazed.

Kurt Caton, the Head Golf and Men’s Basketball Coach at East Robertson, shared the contagious feeling of confidence that the gear provided. He noticed a change in his players’ attitudes since the donation, not just in their enthusiasm for the game but also in their desire to represent their school well. He mentioned that support from community members like Batson helps nurture a deeper love for the sport, especially among newer golfers who are still learning the game.

“These are some of the best students in the school,” Caton says, “and receiving these donations strengthens their attitude to represent their school and team well.”

For some players, this was their first real experience with high-quality, personalized gear. It helped them view themselves as athletes who are noticed, not just on the course, but as part of a team and community. Jepson said carrying the new bag with his name and the team logo gave him a sense of pride and ownership, something he will remember long after high school.

The impact goes beyond just confidence. The players are now considering ways they can give back themselves. Flippo pointed out that generous acts like this inspire others to “pay it forward,” creating a ripple effect that could benefit other students, teams, and sports programs in the future.

For Batson, it was a small way to reconnect with, and support, his hometown. For the East Robertson golf team, it was a big reminder that someone believed in them, their hard work, and their potential. In the end, it wasn’t just about the bags, balls, or polos; it was about community, pride, and the kind of encouragement that can shape a season and create a positive impact on lives.

Follow East Robertson Athletics here. For the latest Maddox Batson news, check out his website.