Mayville’s story of students helping their community, a one-of-a-kind outdoor volleyball match and a historic football season has earned the school district a $5,000 award — and a chance at an even bigger prize.
The Mayville School District was selected as one of 1,000 small-town high schools nationwide to receive $5,000 through T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights $5K Fridays sweepstakes. The competition supports high school athletics while highlighting the community spirit surrounding them.
For Mayville Athletic Director Scott Hilber, the district’s entry began with something much simpler — a text message from the parent of an athlete suggesting Mayville give the contest a shot.
“The T-Mobile campaign came to fruition by a simple text from a parent of an athlete who recommended we enter to win,” Hilber said. “This contest is for small communities like ours, and we figure our 2025 is as cool a story as anyone’s.”
Mayville’s entry highlighted a series of events beginning in the spring of 2025 that brought the school and community together.
Hilber pointed first to students stepping up to help after a tornado struck Mayville in spring 2025. That was followed in August by Mayville hosting the first WIAA-sanctioned outdoor volleyball match on a natural grass field during the “Battle of the Marsh” at the football field.
The story culminated with Mayville football’s run to the state championship game — the program’s first state championship appearance since the current football field opened 32 years ago.
“All three of these events galvanized our community to rise up and celebrate our wonderful town,” Hilber said.
Hilber called receiving the $5,000 award “an incredible honor” and credited community members who helped spread Mayville’s story through social media.
The district’s opportunity in the competition is not over.
T-Mobile is scheduled to announce 40 Division Finalists on Oct. 8, beginning the next stage of the competition. Finalists will receive a $25,000 grant and a T-Mobile Home Game Celebration, with additional prizes available as schools advance. The competition ultimately includes a $1 million grand prize toward a stadium renovation and technology upgrades.
Hilber said community members can continue helping Mayville by sharing the district’s story on social media.
“The more we post with the following attachments, @MayvilleSD1, @TMobile, #FN5GL, #Entry, @mayvillefbl, the more we increase our opportunity to win the $1,000,000 stadium renovation,” Hilber said.
If Mayville is selected among the Division Finalists, community support will become even more important as the competition moves into its public voting phase.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here