Stillwater is helping to make a huge difference in the fight against cancer by providing much-needed funding to companies, doctors, and researchers in the state.

Stillwater Ponies Head Football Coach Beau LaBore is on the five person Minnesota Football Coaches Association Tackle Cancer board which convened in 2012 to raise funds for the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund (RSCRCF).  As a result, Coach LaBore also serves on the RSCRCF Advisor Board, which allocates funds for research and community projects.

Of the $380,000 the fund had to give, $121,000 came directly from Tackle Cancer in 2012.  Stillwater raised $947.50 toward that effort.  There are many worthwhile projects being funded this year. According to LaBore, the funds raised are in very good hands.  “I am grateful to be included in the allocation process. Cancer affects almost every student, football player, teacher, coach, and community member.  Raising the funds was rewarding.  Having the opportunity to view and hear their proposals and see the projects that will take place in part because of Tackle Cancer brings the process full circle,” LaBore said.

The success of 2012 helped recruit more high school and college football programs to participate in Tackle Cancer in 2013.  Our effort in Stillwater was significantly improved as well.  Deb Simcik and Chris Hoefferle combined to help Coach LaBore organize and expand the event.  We had a one-day collection in each high school class, at each junior high and elementary school, and each homecoming game and event, including our homecoming pre-game celebration and game.  Stillwater raised $3,413.39.  In the end, Tackle Cancer 2013 raised $192,000, which will be part of the RSCRCF 2014 budget. Along the way, we attracted wrestling teams throughout the state – including Stillwater which hosted a “Take Down Cancer” event during the Stillwater Stampede – to join the cause. Therefore, one year from now those efforts will make an even bigger impact in Minnesota.

A big thank you to our Stillwater students, athletes, staff, families, and community members for supporting this significant cause.