Upper Iowa University Athletics is proud to share that over the last three fiscal years, members of the Gridiron Club, the fundraising backbone of the Peacock football program, have invested a combined $126,038 in the football program, and the results are showing up on the field and in the lives of our student-athletes.
 
The numbers of donated dollars tell the story:

• 2023-24: $35,816
• 2024-25: $37,887
• 2025-26: $52,335 — 38% ^

 
"Our donors are not just sending money; they are strengthening the foundation of our football program," said Howie Thompson, Senior Associate AD for External Operations. "That kind of growth does not happen by accident. It happens because people believe in what we are doing here at Upper Iowa and want to be part of it. The wins on the field do not happen without the investment our Gridiron Club members make in this program, and we do not take that for granted."
 
Gridiron Club funds go directly to the student-athlete experience. Donations in year one paid for the creation of the football student-athlete lounge and branding the football offices and hallways in Edgar Fine Arts, new technology for practices and games, as well as branded gear for the student-athletes to represent the University and the football program.
 
The donations over the last two years have made the following possible:

• New Black Uniforms & Branded Travel Gear: Our guys look the part on the road and on the field.
• Albanese Candy Bowl Travel: Every player on the roster made the trip fueling our victory to finish the season 9-3. That moment belonged to the whole team.
• Recruiting: We are finding the right people and bringing them to Fayette. Donor support makes that possible.
• Practice Equipment & Team Building: On-field equipment upgrades and team activities including cookouts, paintball, and more. All of which build the culture we need to compete.

 Our next priorities are in the planning process and will be announced in the coming months. The athletics department is making improvements to the air handling in three areas that directly affect the football program with new air conditioning units approved for the athletic training rooms, the south weight room and the football locker room.
 
"I cannot say enough about what our Gridiron Club members have done for this football program," said Head Coach Jason Hoskins. "Their investment goes beyond dollars; it shows our players that this community believes in them. That matters. It fuels the culture we are building, and it fuels wins. I am grateful every day for the people who choose to invest in Peacock Football."
 
The Gridiron Club is open to all fans, alumni, and community members who want to invest in Peacock Football. Every contribution supports the daily operations and special projects that keep this program moving forward in the Great Lakes Valley Conference and NCAA Division II.
 
To learn more or to join the Gridiron Club, visit UIUPeacocks.com/Gridiron or contact Howie Thompson at thompsonh@uiu.edu or 563-425-5307.