Kearney, Neb. – The 11th Annual Loper Football Backers dinner and scholarship fundraiser held on Thursday night (April 22) at the Younes Conference Center was the biggest in the event's history.

With just under 600 Loper fans in attendance, it was the largest Backers ever. With 22 live and 135 silent auction items up for bid, it was the biggest lot for UNK fans a chance to bid on. And, most importantly, the four-hour night raised in the ballpark of $252,000, the largest sum in the event's history.

"Wow Loper Football Backers. We are blown away once again by your generosity," UNK head coach Josh Lynn said. "Loper Football continues "The Rise" thanks to all of our supporters tonight. Thank you again and Go Lopers!"

Since it was first hosted in 2010, the event has now raised just under $2 million dollars for scholarships and other program needs. The Loper Football Backers is a community-led volunteer organization whose mission is to raise scholarship dollars for the UNK Football program.
 
"This event is huge for us and provides avenues that we normally don't have. For scholarship purposes it helps us get to where we need to be and allows us to compete with the rest of the MIAA," Lynn said.

UNK recently completed spring practice. The Lopers report to fall camp in August with the 2021 opener being a home date with Missouri Southern State (Sept. 2). 

Loper Football Scholarship History (NCAA D2 Max is 36.00)
2020 (34.00)
2019 (33.00)
2018 (33.00)
2017 (3216)
2016 (29.60)
2015 (25.72)
2014 (23.00)
2013 (24.26)
2012 (20.77)

36 in-state scholarships cost around $725,000
36 out-state scholarships cost around $1,000,000

UNK Football reaches in the ballpark of $725k annually thanks to the Loper Backers Event ($225k average), U. of Nebraska Foundation Endowment ($100k), Loper Found for Football annual campaign ($80k) and UNK ($300k)