Stillwater Area High School senior Ben Peterson was awarded the fifth annual Ponies Touchdown Club Scholarship. PTC President Erich Hoefferle and Assistant Coach Mark Elmer presented Peterson with the $1,000 scholarship and plaque at the high school awards banquet Monday, May 15. Peterson’s name will also be engraved on a plaque, which hangs in the athletic hallway, under previous recipients Aaron Romportl (2013), Jake Olson (2014), Nick Johnson (2015), Kevin Jones (2016 four-year) and Josh Wille (2016 two-year). In five years, the PTC has awarded $6,000 to college-bound alumni.

The Ponies Touchdown Club Scholarship, created in 2012, recognizes superior, holistic achievement as a student-athlete with special emphasis placed on contribution to the Stillwater Ponies football program.

First, the student-athlete is regarded as someone who invested thoroughly in academics, athletics and activities, and community service.  The recipient is well-rounded, gaining a diverse, co-curricular education. The recipient shares their time and talent generously and believes “giving is receiving.”

Second, the student-athlete made a significant impact on the football program while using the experience to become a better person. The player promoted, influenced, and furthered the objectives of the program, which includes having fun; growing as a person; representing our school and community with class; and helping us become the best team possible. The Ponies Touchdown Club Scholarship recipient is an ideal representative of the Stillwater Ponies football program.

"The PTC Scholarship Committee had four quality applicants, which required careful consideration for our selection. Ben is one of the finest, well-rounded students in our school and displayed impressive character as a captain. He displayed toughness in practice, games, and in the classroom. I still can’t believe how many AP courses Ben exceled in,” said Coach LaBore.

According to his position coach, Mark Elmer, it is rare to have an athlete who can play in so many different positions. “He was physical presence throughout the season. He also gave us a lot of flexibility in our defensive calls as we could play him at either safety, in the flats, or in the box as a linebacker,” Elmer stated.

“Coach LaBore always preached, ‘Don’t have any regrets’, and I am proud to say that I don’t have any. Not only did I put every ounce of energy I had into this season, but I believe that I helped others do the same,” said Peterson. Peterson’s leadership landed him a captainship on the Suburban East Conference Champion baseball team as well.

Peterson promoted that his football experience provided three keys that impacted him, including brotherhood, serving others, and tradition. The Academic All-State performer summarized his experience, stating “Pony’s football has changed my life and I am eternally grateful for my experience. I have learned countless lessons and will always cherish the memories and friendships I made in this program. I am proud to be a Stillwater football alumnus, and even more proud to feel I have left an impact on the program.”

Peterson will apply his scholarship at the University of Wisconsin (Madison) this fall.

Jackson Dunleap, a senior running back, was the recipient of the third annual Richard (Dick) N. Olsen Memorial Scholarship. Other recipients include Josh Godbout and Jake Simcik. Dunleap displays the tenants of this scholarship, contributing to Stillwater football, volunteering in the community, contributing positively to his faith community, and working to the best of his abilities in the academic setting.

While Dunleap waited patiently for his opportunity to contribute to the varsity team, he played with heart and determination on the scout team and the junior varsity team. When he did get an opportunity, Jackson provided a great spark to the offense and team. “Jackson’s performance was imperative to our Homecoming win over Mounds View and then he tied a Ponies record by scoring five touchdowns against White Bear Lake,” Head Coach Beau LaBore said. “What an example to any competitor.”

During his high school career, Dunleap served the St. Croix Valley in Special Olympics, visiting the elderly, Feed My Starving Children, Meals from the Heart, Pony Youth Camp, VAA Football, and adaptive athletics. Dunleap, also a letterman in the SEC and Section Championship wrestling team and True Team Section Champion track and field team, is a fixture at his church as he takes daily mass. Ann Marie Thurmes, Dick Olsen’s daughter and scholarship selection chair, noted that the scholarship was setup to emulate the values her father lived for 78 years. While so many scholarships are academic based, this one was intended to be given to a selfless, faithful young man who may or may not be successful in the classroom. Stacy Bartlett, Dunleap’s AVID teacher, identified him as trustworthy, courteous, reverent, and brave. “Jackson is one of the hardest working students I have ever observed,” she noted. “He is a courageous risk-taker who bravely takes on new tasks and experiences.”

The committee was happy to grant Dunleap the scholarship and looks forward to his success in the future.

Other Ponies football players earning scholarships at the award ceremony include:

• Mitchell Banken, Stillwater Sunrise Rotary STRIVE Mentorship Scholarship
• Lucas Braun, Arthur and Audrey Berggren Scholarship
• Carson Humphrey, Stillwater Sunrise Rotary STRIVE Mentorship Scholarship
• Nathan Novotny, Arthur and Audrey Berggren Scholarship