Hillsdale Chargers Football Tickets

Hillsdale Chargers Football is a program that has had its ups and downs, but it remains a valuable addition to the world of college football. The team is part of the Division II Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC), where they face off against some tough competition including Ashland, Saginaw Valley State, and Grand Valley State.

One thing that sets Hillsdale apart from many other programs is their dedication to academics alongside athletics. In fact, Hillsdale College is known for its rigorous liberal arts curriculum and commitment to classical education. This emphasis on academic excellence carries over to the football program as well. In 2019, the team ranked fifth in the nation in the Academic Progress Rate (APR), which measures the academic success of student-athletes.

Despite their smaller size and lower division status, the Chargers have had their fair share of success on the gridiron. They've won four GLIAC championships and made seven playoff appearances. In 2016, they even upset the number 10-ranked Colorado School of Mines in a thrilling double-overtime playoff game.

One player who has helped put Hillsdale on the map in recent years is offensive lineman Alex VanDeWeghe. The three-time All-GLIAC selection was named a preseason All-American ahead of the 2020 season. VanDeWeghe, along with quarterback Luke Keller, were among 50 players selected to the 2020 National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society, which honors student-athletes with a 3.2 GPA or higher.

While Hillsdale's football program may not receive the same level of attention as larger programs like Ohio State or Michigan, it still serves an important role in the college football landscape. The team provides opportunities for student-athletes to compete at a high level while also pursuing academic goals. And whether they're playing in front of thousands of fans or just a few hundred, the Chargers continue to embody the spirit of college football.