[NASHWAUK, MN] – Mesabi Metallics Company LLC (Mesabi Metallics) is proud to once again support student-athletes and musicians from across the Iron Range by providing funding for the Cherry High School Boys Basketball Team and the Grand Rapids High School Boys Basketball Team as they travel to Minneapolis to compete in the Minnesota State Basketball Tournament. Mesabi Metallics is also sponsoring the bus transportation for the Grand Rapids High School Pep Band, ensuring they can bring their energy, talent and school spirit to the tournament.
Both teams open tournament play this week. Cherry High School will compete in the Class A quarterfinal at 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 26 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, while Grand Rapids High School will take the court in the Class AAA quarterfinal at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25 at Williams Arena on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis.
“Getting to the state tournament is a tremendous achievement for our players, our school and our community,” said Jordan Christianson, head coach of the Cherry High School Boys Basketball Team. “Support like this from Mesabi Metallics makes a real difference—it allows our team to focus on competing at the highest level and representing our community with pride.”
“This is a special moment for our program, and having the backing of our local companies like Mesabi Metallics means everything. It shows our players that their hard work matters not just in the gym, but across the entire region,” said Chadwick Persons, head coach of the Grand Rapids High School Boys Basketball Team.
The Grand Rapids Pep Band will also travel to Minneapolis, bringing music, energy and Iron Range pride to support the team.
“Our students are excited to be part of this experience. The opportunity to perform at the state tournament is something they’ll remember for a lifetime, and we’re grateful for Mesabi’s support in making that possible,” said Dale Gunderson, director of the Grand Rapids High School Pep Band. “Music is such a big part of what makes these moments special. Our pep band will bring the energy and fill these Minneapolis arenas with Iron Range hometown pride.”
“The Iron Range knows a thing or two about hard work, teamwork and pride in our communities, and these student-athletes and musicians represent the very best of that spirit,” said Joe Broking, President & CEO of Mesabi Metallics. “These students have worked incredibly hard all season, and we’re honored to support Cherry, Grand Rapids and the pep band as they take the state stage in Minneapolis. The entire region is behind them. Let’s go Thunderhawks, and let’s go Tigers!”
Mesabi Metallics is committed to investing in the communities where its employees live and work, supporting local schools, youth programs, infrastructure and initiatives that strengthen the region. To date, Mesabi Metallics has donated more than $1 million to Iron Range communities, funding more than 30 projects.
