Lions give Tigers extra reason to roar with $22,000 grant.

Lions give Tigers extra reason to roar with $22,000 grant.

Tiger Pride is a presentation of Shelby Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press. 

SHELBY — The Detroit Lions gave the Shelby Tigers an extra reason to roar when they visited Shelby High School to present a series of grants totaling $22,000 to improve the Shelby football program Thursday, June 9. 

The program, “Touchdown in Your Town,” is in partnership with the Detroit Lions, Kroger and United Dairy Industry, said Shelby Assistant Varsity Football Coach Joseph Bainbridge.

The grant will provide $16,000 from Riddell to purchase new safety equipment. A total of $4,000 was awarded by the Detroit Lions and Kroger to provide necessary items for athletes, and $2,000 in a “milk grant” was provided by the United Dairy Industry to be used for nutrition purposes.

“First of all, I would like to thank the Detroit Lions, Theresa Dean who brought the grant to my attention and Assistant Coach Joe Bainbridge who applied for the grant,” said Shelby Varsity Football Coach Phil Fortier. “This grant helps us solve some funding issues especially when it comes to equipment that is related to player safety — helmets and shoulder pads — as well as uniforms. We are a program that has had our share of struggles, but this group of players has always fought hard and has worked really hard in the weight room this winter. We have a bunch of guys who don’t know the meaning of the word quit and will bite your kneecaps off! Shout out to Coach Dan Campbell. Raise the Bar! Be a DUDE. Join the ambush!”

“I applied for this grant, because our program was in need of help,” said Assistant Coach Bainbridge. “Our community is full of good, hardworking families and student athletes who deserve recognition like this. I am very proud that what I wrote about our kids resonated with the Detroit Lions grant committee.”

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