After their Homecoming game, the Ponies football team celebrated a victory over Mounds View. A week later, the team is celebrating the successful conclusion of their 2016 Tackle Cancer campaign.

With participation by every level of the Stillwater area football program, once again the Ponies broke their previous fundraising record.  After adding up all donations, the Stillwater football players, students and community donors raised $8,201.44 for local cancer research and family assistance – more than $1,000 over last year’s effort.

Tackle Cancer is a joint effort of the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund and the Minnesota State High School Football Coaches Association. The Fund has a mission of supporting local cancer research projects and programs to improve the lives of those fighting through a cancer diagnosis.

“This was our fifth year with Tackle Cancer, and every year we do better and better,” said Ponies head football coach Beau LaBore.  “We’ve raised nearly $25,000 now, and the bulk of it comes from small donations raised by students.  We should all be very proud of the leadership shown by our young people.”

During homecoming week, students from throughout the Stillwater Area School District created, hosted and participated in a variety of Tackle Cancer fundraising events.  Activities included selling wrist bands, a donation competition between 5th hour high school classes, and selling tickets for the annual Juniors versus Seniors girls football game.

“Cancer affects almost everyone in some way,” said LaBore.  “I was astounded to learn that all of our coaches have a parent or guardian who has been affected by a cancer diagnosis.  Our effort is a way to provide community support for anyone affected, and to help and fight back against cancer.”

The 2016 Stillwater Tackles Cancer effort was chaired by Ponies Touchdown Club Board member Deb Simcik.  Jacki Delahunt of the Athletic Director’s Office helped coordinate events and donations on behalf of the school district.

Stillwater is one of over 170 Minnesota High Schools, the Minnesota Vikings, and most Minnesota college football programs that participates in the Tackle Cancer fundraising program. LaBore is a member of the Tackle Cancer Board of Directors.