ASH GROVE, Mo. – The Ash Grove High School athletic program is celebrating a major milestone after winning $30,000 in T‑Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest. The competition, which rewards schools across the country for supporting athletic programs, offers a top prize of $1 million.
Progress Through the Contest
The school first captured a $5,000 award in the initial round of the contest. By advancing to the Midwest regional stage, Ash Grove was named one of the top ten teams in the region and one of only 40 schools nationwide to move forward, earning an additional $25,000.
What the Money Means for Ash Grove
“Schools our size don’t make big headlines very often,” said Athletic Director Grant Williamson. “Being one of the 40 schools left in the country is a really big deal, and it helps put our little town on the map. It gives us a chance to show the nation what Ash Grove and our community are all about.”
The $30,000 will be used for upgrades to the football field’s leveling and irrigation system, as well as improvements to the weight‑room facility that serve all student‑athletes and even non‑athlete students who use the space.
Next Steps Toward the $250,000 and $1 Million Prizes
In the next round, Ash Grove will compete against nine other Midwest schools for a $250,000 award. A victory at that level would place the team in the final pool for the grand prize of $1 million.
“We definitely want to do updates in our weight room and those facilities because it benefits so many kids,” Williamson added. “Every single one of our student athletes uses that facility. Even some of our students who aren’t athletes use it, so upgrades would be a big piece of that.”
Community Support and Celebration
The town’s enthusiasm for the program is evident. “Our community rallies big time around sports,” Williamson said. “Friday Night Lights are one of those times every season that everyone gets really excited. We’re a community that loves our school and our student athletes, and we want to support them in any way we can.”
At the next home football game on October 16, T‑Mobile will present a check for the $25,000 award. The event will feature a free community tailgate, free hot dogs for the first 1,000 attendees, and open entry for all fans.
How to Help Ash Grove Win the Bigger Prizes
Supporters can vote for Ash Grove once per day until October 25, helping the team advance toward the $250,000 prize. Winners will be announced on October 29. Voting is available through the contest’s online portal.
“It’s not just about the money,” Williamson emphasized. “Putting this small town on the map is also a great prize. It shows the nation what our values are and how proud we are of our youth and our faith‑centered community.”
Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.
