The Wareham Vikings boys volleyball team was one of the causalities when various programs were slashed in the wake of budget shortfalls, and the failed Proposition 2½ override.

Now the teammates and their coach are working to raise $6,000 to self-fund the program this spring. Head Coach Ben Kaeterle has been reaching out to local businesses for donations.

“I know there are cutbacks for a lot of the other programs, I just wanted to put the message out,” said Kaeterle.

In addition to the boys volleyball team, the cross country team was cut over the summer.

“There were rumors about it last year toward the end of the season. Over the summer, we heard it was official,” said Wareham High School junior Nate Chagnon, who has played volleyball for two years. “We got a lot of people who joined last year and loved it, then it was just gone.”

While a date is not yet set, Kaeterle says the team hopes to hold a fundraiser at Red Robin in the next couple of months. “I’m slowly hearing back from businesses,” said Kaeterle.

The window of time the team has to raise the money is brief.  Kaeterle says the Athletic Department has given him a deadline of January 1 to raise enough money to fund the spring season.

“We could probably wait until February 1, but we couldn’t wait any longer than that,” said Athletic Director Steven Rumbolt, who started the boys volleyball program years ago.

“Anything as soon as possible would be a huge help,” said Kaeterle. The donations will "go to the next season if it didn’t work out” this year, he added.

Chagnon expressed doubt that the boys volleyball team will have a season this year, given the time constraints.

“The chances are slim right now. It’s hard because it’s a lot of money we have to raise. Most of us are three-sport athletes, so it’s hard to fit in the time,” said Chagnon, who also wrestles and plays soccer.

Rumbolt is also concerned that there isn’t enough time to raise the money, but is holding out hope for next season.

“It doesn’t look like we’re going to be able to do it this year, but hopefully we will next year," Rumbolt said.

Want to donate? Donations may be sent to Ben Kaeterle at 66 Willis Street, New Bedford, MA 02740. Checks can be made out to Wareham High School boys volleyball.