We are excited to contribute to creating that same positive experience for the students at Mount Mercy, ensuring they too have the opportunity to grow and thrive both on and off the field.
The Busse Football Center is a critical piece of Mount Mercy’s strategic vision to elevate the student experience and strengthen community engagement through the addition of new program offerings. With the introduction of football, the university aims to increase enrollment, enhance campus life, and create lasting traditions that unite students, alumni, and fans.
“The Busse family’s generosity speaks to their deep commitment to Mount Mercy and our students, and we are truly grateful for their continued support,” said Mount Mercy President Todd Olson. “Since announcing our football program in October, the enthusiasm on campus has been incredible. This gift moves us another step forward in building a program that will create new opportunities for student-athletes and bring an exciting new energy to our community.”
The new facility will sit in the heart of the Plaster Athletic Complex, nestled between the football and baseball fields, further enhancing the home field advantage and growth those facilities added to campus in 2017 through generous gifts that made that complex possible.
“I am so proud of the continual development and accomplishment of our athletics program here at Mount Mercy and how energizing it is to add football to the mix,” said Mount Mercy Athletic Director Paul Gavin ‘88. “The combination of new head football coach MD Daniels, the state-of-the-art Plaster Athletic Complex, and the addition of the Busse Football Center creates even more exciting times ahead. Our community is looking forward to Football Saturday celebrations for years to come.”
MD Daniels assumed the head coaching role for Mount Mercy football on January 6 of this year and has already made a big impact on the program and the university. Daniels—coming from recent roles at Bethel University in Tennessee and Iowa Wesleyan—hit the ground running to recruit local and national talent to join Mustang football. To date, Mount Mercy has received 80 applications from students interested in playing for Daniels.
“The support for the addition of football at Mount Mercy has been incredible, and I truly appreciate the warm welcome from the community," said Daniels. "Seeing this level of investment in our program is both humbling and inspiring. The Busse Football Center will be a game-changer for our student-athletes and coaches. This facility is a testament to the belief in what we are building, and I couldn’t be more excited for the future of Mustang football.”
The Busse Football Center will be a game-changer for our student-athletes and coaches. This facility is a testament to the belief in what we are building, and I couldn’t be more excited for the future of Mustang football.
The university invites supporters to help meet the $1.5 million match challenge and be part of this historic moment in Mount Mercy’s history. For more information on how to contribute, please visit our Football Campaign page or contact Associate Vice President for Development & Alumni Relations Lonna Drewelow at ldrewelow@mtmercy.edu.