The story of Eric Dompierre received the most votes in an online competition, and the school will now receive $25,000
Eric Dompierre prepares for his first practice of his senior year as an Ishpeming Hematite.
/ Gabriella DeLuca
ISHPEMING -- Ishpeming High School has officially won Sports Illustrated's Underdogs competition. The winner was officially announced Tuesday morning.
The school's athletic department will receive a $25,000 grant after the story of Eric Dompierre received the most votes in the online competition.
Eric Dompierre is an Ishpeming teen with Down Syndrome, who fought and won a battle with the Michigan High School Athletic Association to play sports his senior year at the age of 19. Eric and his family fought for a waiver from the MHSAA to play sports past the age of 18.
SI profiled ten athletes/schools from across the country that they consider to be "underdogs," and people voted online. Voting ended on November 15.
In addition to the grant, ten members of Eric's team also won a trip to the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year Awards in New York City.
