Doniphan For Football Fundraising Project Has Reached Its Goal

On Aug. 24, 2018, more than 1,300 fans filled Doniphan's new stadium for the first varsity football game to be played at DHS in nearly 40 years.

Ron Smith

A special event will be held tonight (Friday, Oct. 15) before the start of the Doniphan high school football game with Fredericktown.

In front of the hometown fans an announcement will be made that the Doniphan For Football non-profit group will be able to retire their loan and turn over the football stadium and facilities to the Doniphan R-1 School District.

The Doniphan football stadium is like no other because it was built with community donations from individuals, businesses, and fundraising efforts. The majority of the labor to clear the land, build the stadium, and invest in the equipment was provided by citizens and students.

The land, the stadium, the weight room, field house, press box, bleachers, lighting, scoreboard, players uniforms, even the footballs used in games were provided by the Doniphan for Football non-profit group.

The total cost of the program except for coaches stipends, game officials fees, bus transportation has been paid without taxpayer money or R-1 school funds. These facilities serve all the students at the Doniphan R-1 school.

According to Doniphan for Football president Gary Pennington, “This has been a true community project to bring football back to our school”. He went on to add that it was a grand effort by everyone to build a legacy that will benefit the students and community for years to come.

Also, a special honor will be awarded to two people who helped retire the amount of the outstanding loan with a generous donation. A sign will be unveiled honoring Jim and Jane Stilwell of Doniphan. The sign will read, The Jim and Jane Stilwell Weight Training Facility. This weight training building will serve all the students at Doniphan for strength training in all sports, physical education classes and other activities.

Everyone is invited to come to Brumitt Family Stadium at Griffin Field in Doniphan to see this unique community-supported effort and enjoy a high school football game.