Mid-Michigan gets behind Mark Ingram

GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP (WJRT) -- (11/24/09) -- Flint's Mark Ingram is a contender for the award that goes to the best player in college football, and this is Mid-Michigan's opportunity to help bring home the Heisman Trophy.

ABC12's Marc Jacobson has more about Mid Michigan's push to make it happen.

It's college football's biggest award, and for the first time, it could come home Mid-Michigan.

"It's tough economic times, and the one thing we'll always be able to fall back on, especially in this area, is our great athletic tradition," said Judge Duncan Beagle.

Flint and Grand Blanc Community leaders gathered at Genesys Athletic Club to show their support for Mark Ingram in his quest for the Heisman Trophy. The general public can vote online and convince Nissan to use its one official vote for the University of Alabama sophomore in the actual Heisman race.

"Look what we did the Flint Farmers' Market. We made it the most popular market in the country. Hurley Hospital was successful in getting a game room for their pediatric unit. We've become highly skilled in this online voting," Beagle noted.

Ingram began his high school career at Grand Blanc High, and finished at Flint Southwestern Academy. Both schools are proud to call him one of their own.

"I think everyone knows about Mark's athletic skills, but Mark is a wonderful young man as well," Grand Blanc Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Newton.

Flint Southwestern Athletic Director Elbert Hicks says Ingram's no slouch off the field, either. "Mark has a 3.5 grade point average. He's just a great kid. My chest is sticking out every time I watch him play on Saturdays. I'm so proud."

Mateen Cleaves and the Dirrell Brothers have already brought their fair share of national championships and awards to Flint. They wouldn't mind seeing a Heisman added to the mix.

"The streets are buzzing and the city is behind him. It's just an honor to be a part of what he's got going on," Cleaves said.

"It's another athlete putting a big stamp and a big name on Flint, Michigan. It's what we need here, for the youth to see more positive things," said Andre Dirrell.

These Ingram for Heisman shirts are being made available at several downtown Flint and Grand Blanc area restaurants. If the campaign is a success, the plan is to bring Mark and his trophy back home for a big, Flint-style celebration.

"Hey, if he wins, we've got to throw him a parade. The city is going to be on fire, man. We're going to be overjoyed," Cleaves predicted.

You can vote for Mark Ingram here.

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mark ingram, heisman trophy, local, marc jacobson

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