By LaJuan Tallo
Communications Assistant
Fundraising is now underway to provide Northwest Mississippi Community College players and coaches with a commemorative ring to celebrate their winning of the NJCAA National Championship.
Bobby Dunlap, CEO of Dunlap and Kyle based in Batesville, the parent company of Gateway Tire, has committed half of the money needed to provide championship rings to the Northwest Rangers football team, coaches and support staff for their recent victory in the Mississippi Bowl, that earned them the title of 2015 NACJC National Champions.  Dunlap has been a strong supporter of the Northwest Foundation through the Gateway Tire Endowment, which provides scholarships to area students.
In making the commitment, Dunlap praised Head Coach Jack Wright and the Ranger football program. “Northwest is not only winning championships, they are helping these young people get an education and reach the next level in football and in academics. Winning a national championship is a huge accomplishment, and Dunlap and Kyle is pleased to be able to recognize everyone who had a part in reaching this milestone,” Dunlap said
Wright took over the program in 2014, following a season where the Rangers won only one game.  In the 2014 season, the Rangers made it to the playoffs, and they capped off the 2015 season with a national championship. Wright is appreciative to his coaching staff and players. “I cannot say enough good things about the assistant coaches.  They are a class act, and they have worked very hard in recruiting and coaching our players,” Wright said.
Since returning from the championship game, Wright has been inundated with college and university recruiters who are interested in several of the Ranger players. “It is really an exciting time to be a Ranger, and we are very grateful to Mr. Bobby Dunlap and others who have come forward to help us provide championship rings for our players and coaches,” Wright said.
Others who have contributed include Sterling Withers of Tunica, All-Star Chevrolet of Olive Branch, Gary Kornegay of Batesville, Norris Faust of Sardis, Mike Boren of Tunica, Harvey Cook and Kelly Bolton of Memphis, and First Financial Bank, Sycamore Bank, Guaranty Bank and State Farm Insurance of Senatobia.
Sybil Canon, associate vice president of Development, is leading the effort to raise $40,000. She is pleased that $25,000 of that goal has now been met.
If anyone would like to contribute, please call Canon at 662-560-1103 or email her at srcanon@northwestms.edu.