The Ferris State men’s football team will be holding their 28th annual football Lift-A-Thon fundraiser on March 26.
This year’s Lift-A-Thon will feature the players participating in a bench press competition, pro shuttle run, 20-yard sprint, tug of war, and talent show. The players will be competing by position groups. Ferris State head coach Jeff Pierce said those attending should expect a very competitive atmosphere.
“We’re looking at this as the Bulldog challenge,” said Pierce. “We have more competitive events that should make it more fun and exciting.”
The Lift-A-Thon will serve as the team’s primary fundraiser for the 2010 season. The money raised from the event will be used towards student-athlete scholarships, the recruitment of future players, improvements within the weight facility and spring drills. Last year the Lift-A-Thon earned approximately $20,000 and the team will be looking to exceed that amount at this year’s event.
The event will begin March 26 at 6 p.m. in the Jim Wink Arena. Admission is free of charge for all who wish to attend. For those who wish to make a pledge for the football team, they can pay a flat dollar donation or they can sponsor a student-athlete on a per pound basis; if someone sponsors a student-athlete 20 cents per pound and that athlete bench-presses 250 pounds, then that individual would donate $50 to the program.
While this may only be a fundraiser, the players are taking it seriously. Senior fullback Leon Curry has been preparing specifically for the Lift-A-Thon to ensure he wins his position group.
“We’re all taking it serious,” said Curry. “I want to be number one.” n