The Dowagiac Union High School strength and conditioning classes and the Dowagiac Athletic Department have joined forces to sponsor the 2013 Chieftain Lift-A-Thon.

The Lift-A-Thon is being held to help raise money for the upgrading and reconditioning of the weight room equipment.

The current facilities are used by four strength and conditioning classes as well as the Chieftain sports teams. The every day wear and tear has taken its toll on the equipment. Additional equipment is needed to meet the needs of the students.

Students will be collecting pledges beginning today and running through March 11.

The Lift-A-Thon will take place March 11 as each student tries to perform a maximum bench press upon which pledges will be based.

Students will then go back and collect the pledge amounts from sponsors March 11 through March 15.

Sponsors may choose from two ways. Some may choose to simply donate a given amount of money to the student if it participates in the Lift-A-Thon. Others may pledge as much per pound lifted.