A local gym is helping young athletes further their education. 
The Quad City Strongman has announced they will be giving away two $500 scholarships to one female one male high school athlete from the Davenport, North Scott, Pleasant Valley and Bettendorf school districts. 
The scholarship is named after Coach Lonny Wilkinson. 
He worked for many years at the Davenport school district and St. Ambrose University. 
There he helped train athletes, some of which even went on to play in the NFL. 
Wilkinson is now retired but still plays an important role as a mentor to other athletes. 
“He’s kind of an inspiration and as we keep meeting people that he’s influenced, just the positive impact he’s made on other people, we couldn’t think of anyone more deserving to recognize,” says owner Joe Hesse. 
“It’s an unusual feeling that I never thought that something like this would ever happen, it’s a good feeling,” says Coach Lonny Wilkinson.  
The scholarship is now open, the deadline is March 1, 2018. Applications can be picked up at the Quad City Strongman gym. 
Visit their website for more information about requirements.