BEND, Ore. -- Summit High School football coach Jerry Hackenbruck says that without sports and activities, it would be a major feat to keep many kids in school.

But with today's dragging economy, keeping sports programs alive means parents are paying more than ever.

"Kids that are in three sports have to pay three fees, and kids that are in one just have to pay one," Hackenbruck said Tuesday. "Our particular fee is $100 per student, per sport."

For Summit High junior Landon Frost, paying multiple fees is a reality.

He plays basketball and baseball and football, but it's his parents who are forking over the cash for him to do so.

"It's just another fee; it's not a big deal to them," Frost said. "If I'm happy and having fun, then it's just another thing to pay for."

For many parents, a $100 fee puts a dent in money saved for food and bills.

Michelle Johnson said she has several kids playing sports and finding the extra money can be tough.

"We're always being creative, what's out there, finding the sales, saving money and not going out as much," Johnson said. "Because we know that in the fall, we have a lot of expenses with fall sports."

Hackenbruck said he's seen his football program shrink significantly over the past few years.

He thinks Oregonians are used to "paying to play," but for some it's just out of the question.

For those who can't afford the fee, there's other options.

"There's a scholarship available through The Bend Foundation," Hackenbruck said. "Of the $100 fee, the students have to come up with $25."

A lot of athletes have been taking advantage of the scholarship.

The Bend Foundation has given away more than $50,000 to 1,200 students in the past seven years.

"I believe the need is not going to go away, so hopefully, our funding will not go away either," foundation Executive Director Barb Hess said. "So we'll take it year by year and see how things go."