Minnesota North College, Vermilion Campus is proud to announce that its Ironhawks Football program has been awarded a $3,000 grant from the NJCAA Foundation for Sport Opportunity. This funding will be used to upgrade essential equipment, including tackling sleds, helmets, and shoulder pads, ensuring a safer and more effective training environment for student-athletes.

“We are incredibly grateful for this support,” said Aaron Bender, Athletic Director at Vermilion. “This grant will have a meaningful impact on our program, helping us provide the tools our athletes need to thrive both on and off the field. NJCAA Division III football offers a vital platform for young athletes to pursue their goals, and we deeply appreciate the NJCAA Foundation’s commitment to that mission.”

The NJCAA Foundation for Sport Opportunity is dedicated to advancing the NJCAA’s mission by supporting student-athletes, member colleges, and local communities through financial assistance, scholarships, and program development.

“The NJCAA Foundation is excited to further support the growth of NJCAA member colleges and the sport programs they offer through the NJCAA Sport Opportunity Grant,” said Andrew Givens, Executive Director of the NJCAA Foundation. “This funding reflects the growing importance of two-year collegiate athletics and the opportunities they create for student-athletes nationwide.”

The grant will be put to immediate use, enhancing practice conditions, improving player safety, and expanding opportunities for athletic and personal development. The Vermilion Ironhawks Football program remains committed to fostering teamwork, leadership, and physical fitness while providing meaningful post-secondary opportunities for student-athletes.

For more information about athletics at the Vermilion Campus, please contact: Aaron Bender, Athletic Director, Minnesota North College – Vermilion, at aaron.bender@minnesotanorth.edu.