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Recent Ponies Sophomore News

Winter letter winners listen to alum Mark Kubacki speak

Pony Grad Speaks to Winter Lettermen

By Admin 03/27/2017, 11:00am CDT

Winter dedication recognized

The Ponies Touchdown Club sponsored the annual Letterman's Dinner for current sophomore and junior football players who committed to a winter sport or strength and conditioning at the high school.  These young men put the time, effort, and enthusiasm into becoming better people, athletes, and ultimately, football players.

The event, held at Heights Hall and Club in Oak Park Heights, featured an all-you-can-eat burger bar, fries, coleslaw, fruit, milk and chocolate milk, and finished with root beer floats. Thirty-two of the 48 players who met the criteria for an invitation were in attendance. Members of the PTC and the Elks Club were volunteer servers.

“This has become a nice tradition," said Pony Power and Performance Director and Assistant Football Coach Mike Weiss. "The winter is a long season and fully dedicating to a sport or the weight room takes a lot of character."

A "burger king" was non-existent this year, with no player coming close to the record 10 set last year.

The keynote speaker for the event was 2008 Stillwater Area High School graduate Mark Kubacki. An all conference linebacker, Kubacki parlayed three years of coaching for the Ponies during college into a successful stint as an assistant with the University of St. Thomas. Recently, Kubacki was named Defensive Coordinator at St. Olaf College.

In his comments, Kubacki noted that great football players are usually great teammates. "In high school, you have all kinds of distractions - video games, the beach, staying up too late, and so much more," Kubacki said. "You have to surround yourself with good teammates who want to achieve great things, and are willing to make sacrifices and work for it. You have to make each other better."

Players eligible to attend due to their winter sports achievements included:

Juniors Anthony Alvarado, Matt Crowell, Tyler Cullen, Tommy de St. Aubin, Tyler Dunleap, Mason Green, Bryce Hafemeyer, Devontae Hatcher, Adam Knapp, Eric Larson, Matthew McGinley, Noah Ness, Charlie Richman, Mark Roettger, Mason Schwerzler, Luke Simcik, Kevin Thole, Carl Tomlinson, Cody Venske, Andrew Weisbrod, and Andrew Wilcek.

Sophomores Adam Ahlgren, Trenton Attwood, Zach Auleciems, Cody Branch, Zach Cowley, Porter Estenson, Blake Evensen, Tommy Flores, Will Gleason, Max Gonnion, Alex Gritters, Will Harter, Jay Haws, Holten King, Jaxon Leverty, Collin McCarthy, Tony O'Keefe, Noah Pasiuk, Matt Peterson, Levi Prunty, Thomas Riesslman, Jack Seipel, Nate Shikenjanski, Jeremy Slusher, Bailey Smith, Alex Wilhelmy, and Cooper Yeary.

Head Coach Beau LaBore would like to extended a special thanks to owner Ed Kivel, his staff, and The Elks who served the burgers. The event was coordinated by Jenn Wille who was assisted by Lynn Larson, Ann Venske, and her daughter, Emma.

Tell you server Stillwater Football!

Regulars at Buffalo Wild Wings let their server know they are dining for Ponies Football or Stillwater Football or just plain Team F. Now you can too! As a result, 10% of the bill will go to Ponies Football! This promotion takes place everyday of the year. It really cannot be any easier to help our program while enjoying a Buffalo Ranch Chicken Wrap, taking on the Blazin' Challenge, or hammering the coaching staff's favorite: The Big Jack Daddy Burger.

Buffalo Wild Wings is a lively sports-bar chain dishing up wings and other American pub grub amid lots of large-screen TVs. It is located off the Highway 36 frontage road at 5991 Norwich Ave N, Oak Park Heights, MN 55082.

Annual Tackle Cancer Fundraiser During Homecoming

By Admin 09/27/2016, 10:45am CDT

Together we can tackle cancer!

2016 Tackle Cancer Video

For the fifth year, Stillwater Football is partnering with the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund and the Minnesota Football Coaches Association to Tackle Cancer – a statewide effort to raise funds for locally-based cancer research and outreach programs. A variety of opportunities and events are planned during Homecoming week to help raise money for the Fund.

“We are trying to crack the $1 Million mark in just year five,” said Beau LaBore, head coach of the Stillwater Ponies. “Clearly the cause resonates with our community and state!”

LaBore is also a volunteer member of the Tackle Cancer Board.

Throughout the week Tackle Cancer bracelets can be purchased from football players in grades 2-12. Donations are fully tax-deductible, and checks should be made out to Stillwater Football. Organizers ask that “Tackle Cancer” be written in the memo line. Also, students who want to purchase a Tackle Cancer shirt can do so online through Heritage Embroidery. Half of the proceeds of the shirt go toward Tackle Cancer.   

On Tuesday, October 4, fifth-hour classes at the High School will compete to see which class can raise the most in donations.  The winning class will receive a lunch of Jimmy John’s lunch sponsored by the Ponies Touchdown Club.

During Wednesday’s Powder Puff football game, donations will be collected at the stadium entrance, with all proceeds benefitting the Fund. Donations will take place throughout the week and in particular at the Homecoming football game against Mounds View.

Stillwater is one of several dozen Minnesota high school football teams that participate in the fundraising effort, along with most college football teams, the Golden Gophers and the Vikings.  Stillwater’s designated fundraising week coincides with Homecoming Week. 

The purpose of the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund is to enhance early detection, promote research, and enhance the lives of cancer patients.  Benefitting organizations include the Minnesota Medical Foundation, the Children’s Healthcare Foundation and other local charities that help cancer patients lead better lives.  Last year, over a half-million dollars was been collected and disbursed by the Fund.

Turf project begins early
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