The 2021 season is in the books, we look back at the Ponies Football Program immersed itself in the community through community and charity work. Head Coach Beau LaBore promotes that “giving is receiving,” something the players have embraced. The most notable of these efforts is their annual Tackle Cancer fundraising event. 

Junior TImothy Weber stated that in the team's Tackle Cancer efforts they “asked people to donate money to fight a disease that affects all of us.” 

These efforts could be seen throughout the school, as teachers had donation bags where students could contribute as much as they pleased. A small competition was held to see which class could curate the most funds with AP Microeconomics and Government teacher Beau LaBore taking first, Athletics teacher Ryan Bartosiewski in second, and English teacher Paul Weiland snatching third place. The program included other district schools, all youth football teams, spent a day at Cub Foods bagging groceries, and more.

Games across the state were also held in honor of the event, raising money through raffles and donations from fans. 

The Ponies efforts can be seen in the $21,834 raised for Tackle Cancer. Since 2012, Stillwater has raised just short of $110,000! All proceeds went to the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund, which has been able to raise over $2.1 million in community donations. 

The group's mission is to “to assist and support the cancer community in Minnesota by funding research, prevention, treatment and other programs relating to the cancer community’s principal needs,” as stated on their website. 

Another community event the team participated in was the adaptive football game, where the participants were able to run plays and make memories. 

“I really enjoyed the Adaptive Football Day because all of the kids were so happy to be playing with the varsity players … It was also the most fun,” stated senior Sammy Ness. 

“In that adaptive football we had our starting defense lineup and the kids got the ball on a hand off and would run through our defense and score. Our defense would be diving and trying to tackle them but let them score. It was so much fun to see them celebrate with the rest of the team in the endzone… It made me happy to see them so happy.” 

The team also helped out at Valley Outreach, a local non-profit organization dedicated to putting meals on families tables and providing support to those in need. 

“We went around to houses asking if they would like to fill a grocery bag for valley outreach,” explained Ness. “If they said yes we gave them a bag and then next weekend we came and picked them up at their doorsteps. We then brought the food to valley outreach.”

“My favorite was definitely the food drive because I was able to talk to many people about our season and how they felt about the food drive,” said Weber. “Being in the community has allowed me to understand more and more what these efforts mean to some people, how much they help make a difference in people's lives.”

The 9-12 players collected over 5,800 pounds of food for those in need in the St. Croix Valley. Along the way, the players also visited several youth football practices or games, cheering on and coaching up our future Ponies.

In regard to the team's dedication towards the betterment of the community, Ness said “... it made me realize and appreciate Stillwater’s involvement in making our community a better place and helping those in need.”