KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals Raises $25,000 for Shriners Children’s
Kansas- Kansas Shrine All-Star Events is excited to announce that the inaugural KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals raised $25,000 for Shriners Children’s. The high school senior all-star wrestling event that featured 56 of the state’s top girls and boys wrestlers was held on Sunday, March 17th in Wichita, Kansas on the campus of Newman University.
“All of Kansas Shrine All-Star Events are produced with one big goal in mind; to make the biggest impact possible on the lives of the children served by Shriners Children’s Hospital,” said Brice Kesler, Executive Director. “We’re excited that a first-time event, like the KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals, was able to have such a significant impact towards that goal. Both the financial contribution generated and the opportunity to spread awareness for our cause, which was created by this event, will make a tremendous addition to the overall impact Kansas Shrine All-Star Events will have for Shriners Children’s Hospitals in 2024.”
Complete results and the archived broadcast of the 2024 KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals can be found at www.KansasShrineDuals.com. “We want to thank all of the participants, their families and friends, the businesses and organizations that supported these athletes and our cause, the many volunteers that helped make this event happen, our host Newman University, and our partners in the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association,” said Kesler. “Everyone played an important role in this event’s success, and everyone should be very proud of the lasting impact their participation in events like the KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals will have on the children receiving care at Shriners Children’s Hospitals.”
Kansas Shrine All-Star Events will host the 51st Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth on Saturday, June 29th, 2024 in Emporia, Kansas at Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University. In addition to the annual all-star football game on Saturday night, the weekend of the Kansas Shrine Bowl includes many other events and activities. Additional events include the Hospital Experience, the Kansas Shrine Bowl golf tournament, the largest annual Shrine Parade in Kansas, the Friday Night All-Star Showcase and concert, an alumni gameday reunion, and more. Visit www.KansasShrineBowl.com/Events for a full lineup of events and details, along with ticketing information. The annual All-Star Cheer Camp and Masonic All-State Marching Band Camp will also be held in Emporia for the 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl, registration details for those camps can also be found at www.KansasShrineBowl.com.
All Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. events are produced and presented to benefit Shriners Children’s. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s. Shriners Children’s is a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.
“All of Kansas Shrine All-Star Events are produced with one big goal in mind; to make the biggest impact possible on the lives of the children served by Shriners Children’s Hospital,” said Brice Kesler, Executive Director. “We’re excited that a first-time event, like the KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals, was able to have such a significant impact towards that goal. Both the financial contribution generated and the opportunity to spread awareness for our cause, which was created by this event, will make a tremendous addition to the overall impact Kansas Shrine All-Star Events will have for Shriners Children’s Hospitals in 2024.”
Complete results and the archived broadcast of the 2024 KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals can be found at www.KansasShrineDuals.com. “We want to thank all of the participants, their families and friends, the businesses and organizations that supported these athletes and our cause, the many volunteers that helped make this event happen, our host Newman University, and our partners in the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association,” said Kesler. “Everyone played an important role in this event’s success, and everyone should be very proud of the lasting impact their participation in events like the KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals will have on the children receiving care at Shriners Children’s Hospitals.”
Kansas Shrine All-Star Events will host the 51st Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth on Saturday, June 29th, 2024 in Emporia, Kansas at Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University. In addition to the annual all-star football game on Saturday night, the weekend of the Kansas Shrine Bowl includes many other events and activities. Additional events include the Hospital Experience, the Kansas Shrine Bowl golf tournament, the largest annual Shrine Parade in Kansas, the Friday Night All-Star Showcase and concert, an alumni gameday reunion, and more. Visit www.KansasShrineBowl.com/Events for a full lineup of events and details, along with ticketing information. The annual All-Star Cheer Camp and Masonic All-State Marching Band Camp will also be held in Emporia for the 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl, registration details for those camps can also be found at www.KansasShrineBowl.com.
All Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. events are produced and presented to benefit Shriners Children’s. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s. Shriners Children’s is a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.
East Team Wins Inaugural KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals
Kansas- The East Team claimed the crown at the inaugural KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at Fugate Gymnasium on the campus of Newman University in Wichita, Kansas. In a tightly contested dual, the East prevailed by a final team dual score of 72-62, by winning five of the final six matches in the dual. The East had a 15-13 edge in individual match wins during the dual.
In addition to the competition on the mat, the wrestlers who competed in the KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals had the opportunity to interact and hear the stories of seven Shriners Children’s Patient Ambassadors who were in attendance to share the real reason behind the event. All net proceeds from the KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals will benefit Shriners Children’s Hospitals.
Visit www.KansasShrineDuals.com to see the full event results and watch the archived broadcast of the event. You can also view/download/print the official Match Day Digital Program, purchase commemorative t-shirts, or donate to the cause.
All Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. events are produced and presented to benefit Shriners Children’s. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s. Shriners Children’s is a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.
View Final Results of 2024 KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals
In addition to the competition on the mat, the wrestlers who competed in the KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals had the opportunity to interact and hear the stories of seven Shriners Children’s Patient Ambassadors who were in attendance to share the real reason behind the event. All net proceeds from the KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals will benefit Shriners Children’s Hospitals.
Visit www.KansasShrineDuals.com to see the full event results and watch the archived broadcast of the event. You can also view/download/print the official Match Day Digital Program, purchase commemorative t-shirts, or donate to the cause.
All Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. events are produced and presented to benefit Shriners Children’s. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s. Shriners Children’s is a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.
View Final Results of 2024 KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals
Wrestlers Selected for KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals
Kansas- The Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association (KWCA) has announced the high school senior wrestlers who have accepted their invitation to take the mat in the inaugural KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals. The wrestlers who were selected, and accepted their invitation, will compete during the KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals on Sunday, March 17th, 2024 at Fugate Gymnasium on the campus of Newman University in Wichita, Kansas. Gates open at 2:30 pm and the opening ceremonies will begin at 3:15 pm. Tickets and advertising opportunities are available at www.KansasShrineDuals.com.
The KWCA and the Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc came together to create the Kansas Shrine Duals as a senior all-star wrestling event for a cause. The Kansas Shrine Duals will look to create the same level of impact and awareness for Shriners Children’s Hospitals that the 50-year traditions of the Kansas Shrine Bowl have established. All net proceeds from the Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc events benefit Shriners Children’s.
“We’re excited to bring the wrestling community of Kansas together to showcase some of the top talent in the state while making a genuine impact on the lives of children,” said Brice Kesler, Executive Director of the Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. Visit www.KansasShrineDuals.com for tickets and opportunities to show your support for your favorite all-stars and help be a part of the cause.
All Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. events are produced and presented to benefit Shriners Children’s. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s. Shriners Children’s is a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.
All selections were made by the KWCA after review of applications submitted by wrestlers and following an acceptance of an invitation to participate. Wrestlers who chose not to apply or who were invited but declined their invitation are not included in the final selections. The general divide of the Kansas Shrine Bowl is used to assign wrestlers to the East or West team. However, some exceptions are made to ensure fulfillment of all weight classes with wrestlers who applied and accepted invitations. All matchups are subject to change. Event information and updates can be found at www.KansasShrineDuals.com.
The KWCA and the Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc came together to create the Kansas Shrine Duals as a senior all-star wrestling event for a cause. The Kansas Shrine Duals will look to create the same level of impact and awareness for Shriners Children’s Hospitals that the 50-year traditions of the Kansas Shrine Bowl have established. All net proceeds from the Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc events benefit Shriners Children’s.
“We’re excited to bring the wrestling community of Kansas together to showcase some of the top talent in the state while making a genuine impact on the lives of children,” said Brice Kesler, Executive Director of the Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. Visit www.KansasShrineDuals.com for tickets and opportunities to show your support for your favorite all-stars and help be a part of the cause.
All Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. events are produced and presented to benefit Shriners Children’s. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s. Shriners Children’s is a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.
All selections were made by the KWCA after review of applications submitted by wrestlers and following an acceptance of an invitation to participate. Wrestlers who chose not to apply or who were invited but declined their invitation are not included in the final selections. The general divide of the Kansas Shrine Bowl is used to assign wrestlers to the East or West team. However, some exceptions are made to ensure fulfillment of all weight classes with wrestlers who applied and accepted invitations. All matchups are subject to change. Event information and updates can be found at www.KansasShrineDuals.com.
Player Selections Announced for 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl
KANSAS- The roster of invitations for the 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth was announced during the annual Kansas Shrine Bowl Selection Show on Monday, January 1st. The selections are the result of a combination of statewide media votes and Shrine Bowl coaching staff selections from a list of 457 nominees. You can learn more about the full selection process at www.KansasShrineBowl.com/SelectionProcess. The 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth will be played on Saturday, June 29th, 2024 at Welch Stadium in Emporia, Kansas.
“We are excited to invite this excellent group of young men into the Kansas Shrine Bowl family,” said Brice Kesler, Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “They’ve all had tremendous careers on the football field and have earned this opportunity to use those talents they’ve been blessed with, and worked so hard for, to play the game they love for a much bigger cause.”
In addition to playing in the annual East vs. West all-star football game, Kansas Shrine Bowl participants get the opportunity to meet and interact with the Patient Ambassadors from Shriners Children’s during the Hospital Experience Day. An event, that for many, is more impactful than any other event during the week of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. During the Hospital Experience Day, players come to understand that these children have put in the same kind of hard work, dedication and sacrifices they have; only their work has resulted in allowing them to walk, run, play, and live a full life.
To show your support for these players and the children they are impacting by accepting their invitation to participate in the Kansas Shrine Bowl, please visit www.KansasShrineBowl.com/Support. Since 1974, the Kansas Shrine Bowl along with the support from players’ local communities, has sent over $3.8 million to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
The Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that produces annual events and related activities with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children's. Kansas Shrine All-Star Events also include the Kansas Masonic All-State Marching Band Camp, the Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Cheer Camp, the KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals and many other game week events. Shriner's Children's, previously Shriners Hospitals for Children, is a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay. To learn more about the Kansas Shrine Bowl visit www.KansasShrineBowl.com.
The rosters listed below are the initially selected players. If a player declines their invitation to participate, a replacement player from the list of nominated players is invited to participate. For current updated rosters, please click here.
“We are excited to invite this excellent group of young men into the Kansas Shrine Bowl family,” said Brice Kesler, Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “They’ve all had tremendous careers on the football field and have earned this opportunity to use those talents they’ve been blessed with, and worked so hard for, to play the game they love for a much bigger cause.”
In addition to playing in the annual East vs. West all-star football game, Kansas Shrine Bowl participants get the opportunity to meet and interact with the Patient Ambassadors from Shriners Children’s during the Hospital Experience Day. An event, that for many, is more impactful than any other event during the week of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. During the Hospital Experience Day, players come to understand that these children have put in the same kind of hard work, dedication and sacrifices they have; only their work has resulted in allowing them to walk, run, play, and live a full life.
To show your support for these players and the children they are impacting by accepting their invitation to participate in the Kansas Shrine Bowl, please visit www.KansasShrineBowl.com/Support. Since 1974, the Kansas Shrine Bowl along with the support from players’ local communities, has sent over $3.8 million to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
The Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that produces annual events and related activities with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children's. Kansas Shrine All-Star Events also include the Kansas Masonic All-State Marching Band Camp, the Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Cheer Camp, the KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals and many other game week events. Shriner's Children's, previously Shriners Hospitals for Children, is a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay. To learn more about the Kansas Shrine Bowl visit www.KansasShrineBowl.com.
The rosters listed below are the initially selected players. If a player declines their invitation to participate, a replacement player from the list of nominated players is invited to participate. For current updated rosters, please click here.
Kansas Shrine Bowl Names Brice Kesler
as New Executive Director
KANSAS- The Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors is pleased to announce Brice Kesler as its new Executive Director effective January 1, 2024. Kesler will replace B.J. Harris, whose resignation was accepted in November to step down at the end of 2023 to pursue additional career opportunities.
“Hiring Brice to take on the role of Executive Director is another step in the right direction for the Kansas Shrine Bowl,” said Drew Couch, 2024 President of the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors. “We put on a grand event with our football game to raise money for Shrine Kids. With the addition of our wrestling event and hopefully others in the future, Brice is the guy that will help lead the Kansas Shrine Bowl organization into the future.”
Brice has served as the Business & Office Manager for the Kansas Shrine Bowl since March of 2021. Prior to joining the Kansas Shrine Bowl staff, Brice’s career began as a Business Development Executive and Sports Director for Rocking M Media in Goodland, Kansas. Brice then moved to North Platte, Nebraska to become the Sports Director at Eagle Radio before returning to Kansas and becoming part of the Kansas Shrine Bowl staff.
“I’m honored and thankful to the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors for awarding me this opportunity to lead such a wonderful organization,” said Brice Kesler. “Seeing the impact that this organization has on children and families from all across the state and beyond is a powerful motivator. I’m excited to be in a position to lead that effort forward and continue to promote the tremendous work done by Shriners in Kansas through the lens of our premier all-star events.”
Alongside new Executive Director Brice Kesler, Whitney Kesler will continue her role as Events & Business Manager for the Kansas Shrine Bowl. Whitney joined the Kansas Shrine Bowl staff in May of 2023 after eight years as the Assistant Director/Sports Coordinator at Baldwin City Recreation Commission. Brice and Whitney will continue to lead the corporate partnership development of the Kansas Shrine Bowl, while exploring new ways to expand the statewide footprint and awareness of the organization and Shriners Children’s.
“Serving in this position has been the most rewarding role of my career,” said B.J. Harris, who served in the role of Executive Director since 2017. “I'm forever grateful to the Board of Directors and staff, and look forward to seeing the continued growth of the Kansas Shrine Bowl and the organizations increased impact on the patients of Shriners Children's."
The Kansas Shrine Bowl is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s. Since its inception in 1974, the Kansas Shrine Bowl has been promoting Kansas talent and the incredible network of Shriners Children’s Hospitals by donating more than $3.8 million. To learn more about the organization and its cause visit www.KansasShrineBowl.com.
“Hiring Brice to take on the role of Executive Director is another step in the right direction for the Kansas Shrine Bowl,” said Drew Couch, 2024 President of the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors. “We put on a grand event with our football game to raise money for Shrine Kids. With the addition of our wrestling event and hopefully others in the future, Brice is the guy that will help lead the Kansas Shrine Bowl organization into the future.”
Brice has served as the Business & Office Manager for the Kansas Shrine Bowl since March of 2021. Prior to joining the Kansas Shrine Bowl staff, Brice’s career began as a Business Development Executive and Sports Director for Rocking M Media in Goodland, Kansas. Brice then moved to North Platte, Nebraska to become the Sports Director at Eagle Radio before returning to Kansas and becoming part of the Kansas Shrine Bowl staff.
“I’m honored and thankful to the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors for awarding me this opportunity to lead such a wonderful organization,” said Brice Kesler. “Seeing the impact that this organization has on children and families from all across the state and beyond is a powerful motivator. I’m excited to be in a position to lead that effort forward and continue to promote the tremendous work done by Shriners in Kansas through the lens of our premier all-star events.”
Alongside new Executive Director Brice Kesler, Whitney Kesler will continue her role as Events & Business Manager for the Kansas Shrine Bowl. Whitney joined the Kansas Shrine Bowl staff in May of 2023 after eight years as the Assistant Director/Sports Coordinator at Baldwin City Recreation Commission. Brice and Whitney will continue to lead the corporate partnership development of the Kansas Shrine Bowl, while exploring new ways to expand the statewide footprint and awareness of the organization and Shriners Children’s.
“Serving in this position has been the most rewarding role of my career,” said B.J. Harris, who served in the role of Executive Director since 2017. “I'm forever grateful to the Board of Directors and staff, and look forward to seeing the continued growth of the Kansas Shrine Bowl and the organizations increased impact on the patients of Shriners Children's."
The Kansas Shrine Bowl is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s. Since its inception in 1974, the Kansas Shrine Bowl has been promoting Kansas talent and the incredible network of Shriners Children’s Hospitals by donating more than $3.8 million. To learn more about the organization and its cause visit www.KansasShrineBowl.com.
Kansas Shrine Bowl Announces $100,000 Donation
KANSAS- As the 50th anniversary year of the Kansas Shrine Bowl concludes, the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors, along with the staff, participants, ambassadors, corporate partners, supporters, and nobles from across Kansas are proud to announce a donation of $100,000 as a result of the 2023 event held Saturday, July 15th in Hays. Since 1974, the Kansas Shrine Bowl has now donated more than $3.8 million to Shriners Children’s.
“I do not know anyone who has got to the top without hard work. It takes a village to pull off the Kansas Shrine Bowl every year,” said Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors President Donnie Bohannon. “To everyone who contributed, your act of kindness and generosity may have been a moment to you, but it will stay with me and all of the children your support has benefitted always.”
In addition to this significant contribution, the Kansas Shrine Bowl also provided programming for all-star athletes and musicians from across the state. With the support of Shriners, corporate partners, and participant fundraising, the Kansas Shrine Bowl was able to house, feed, transport, coach, train, and entertain 80 football players, 169 band participants, 190 cheerleaders, 16 patient ambassadors, and more than 30 camp staff for nearly a week. These participants get to experience first-hand the incredible work of Shriners Children’s during weeklong camps that create a lasting impact for participants, ambassadors, and families.
The 2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth is scheduled for Saturday, June 29th, 2024 at Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas. To learn more about how you can contribute to the wonderful work of Shriners and the Kansas Shrine Bowl, please contact the Kansas Shrine Bowl office at 913-602-8656 or reach out by email to events@KansasShrineBowl.com. For additional event information and to learn more about the cause, visit www.KansasShrineBowl.com.
The Kansas Shrine Bowl is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that produces annual events and related activities presented to benefit Shriners Children’s. Shriners Children’s offers care for a range of orthopedic issues, as well as care for burn injuries, craniofacial conditions, spine care and spinal cord injuries, colorectal and gastrointestinal care, and sports medicine. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.
“I do not know anyone who has got to the top without hard work. It takes a village to pull off the Kansas Shrine Bowl every year,” said Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors President Donnie Bohannon. “To everyone who contributed, your act of kindness and generosity may have been a moment to you, but it will stay with me and all of the children your support has benefitted always.”
In addition to this significant contribution, the Kansas Shrine Bowl also provided programming for all-star athletes and musicians from across the state. With the support of Shriners, corporate partners, and participant fundraising, the Kansas Shrine Bowl was able to house, feed, transport, coach, train, and entertain 80 football players, 169 band participants, 190 cheerleaders, 16 patient ambassadors, and more than 30 camp staff for nearly a week. These participants get to experience first-hand the incredible work of Shriners Children’s during weeklong camps that create a lasting impact for participants, ambassadors, and families.
The 2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth is scheduled for Saturday, June 29th, 2024 at Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas. To learn more about how you can contribute to the wonderful work of Shriners and the Kansas Shrine Bowl, please contact the Kansas Shrine Bowl office at 913-602-8656 or reach out by email to events@KansasShrineBowl.com. For additional event information and to learn more about the cause, visit www.KansasShrineBowl.com.
The Kansas Shrine Bowl is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that produces annual events and related activities presented to benefit Shriners Children’s. Shriners Children’s offers care for a range of orthopedic issues, as well as care for burn injuries, craniofacial conditions, spine care and spinal cord injuries, colorectal and gastrointestinal care, and sports medicine. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.
Kansas Shrine Bowl and KWCA Announce
New Joint All-Star Wrestling Event
KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals to debut on March 17, 2024
Kansas- The Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors is excited to announce the addition of a new East vs. West senior all-star wrestling event in conjunction with the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association. The KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals is scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 17th, 2024 at Fugate Gymnasium on the campus of Newman University in Wichita, Kansas. The event will feature around 60 of the state’s top wrestlers, both girls and boys, competing in an East vs. West team dual format. All net proceeds from the KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals will benefit Shriners Children’s, previously known as Shriners Hospitals for Children.
“We’re thrilled for this opportunity to partner with the KWCA to showcase some of the best athletes in Kansas and increase the impact our organization can have for Shriners Children’s,” said Brice Kesler of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “The opportunity to share the reasons behind our cause with the outstanding wrestling community throughout Kansas is going to be a great benefit for everyone involved.”
The KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals will continue the traditions of East vs. West all-star competition that has led to 50 years of success with the Kansas Shrine Bowl, generating more than $3.8M in donations to Shriners Children’s. The partnership with the KWCA will help bring a new philanthropic aspect to the KWCA’s mission of promoting and recognizing outstanding contributions and accomplishments in wrestling throughout the state of Kansas. The athletes who are selected to participate in the KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals will have the opportunity, through fundraising initiatives and competition, to make a lasting impact on the lives of children while displaying their talents on a premier all-star stage.
“We’re thrilled for this opportunity to partner with the KWCA to showcase some of the best athletes in Kansas and increase the impact our organization can have for Shriners Children’s,” said Brice Kesler of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “The opportunity to share the reasons behind our cause with the outstanding wrestling community throughout Kansas is going to be a great benefit for everyone involved.”
The KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals will continue the traditions of East vs. West all-star competition that has led to 50 years of success with the Kansas Shrine Bowl, generating more than $3.8M in donations to Shriners Children’s. The partnership with the KWCA will help bring a new philanthropic aspect to the KWCA’s mission of promoting and recognizing outstanding contributions and accomplishments in wrestling throughout the state of Kansas. The athletes who are selected to participate in the KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals will have the opportunity, through fundraising initiatives and competition, to make a lasting impact on the lives of children while displaying their talents on a premier all-star stage.
“The KWCA is excited to partner with the Shriners to bring back the Senior All-Star Classic,” said Nathan Broeckelman, KWCA President. “This event will be a great showcase for our senior athletes across the state for one last go representing their respective high schools.”
Additional event details, along with complete qualification criteria for wrestlers, and more will be coming soon. Visit www.KansasShrineDuals.com or www.KansasWrestling.org to stay up to date on the latest news and updates regarding the KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals.
All Kansas Shrine All-Star Events are produced and presented to benefit Shriners Children’s. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s. Shriners Children’s is a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.
Contact Kansas Shrine All-Star Events
PO Box 53, Spring Hill, KS 66083
(913) 602-8656
director@KansasShrineBowl.com
assistant@KansasShrineBowl.com
events@KansasShrineBowl.com
Contact the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association
325 Point Dr, Great Bend, KS 67530
(785) 871-7981
President – Nathan Broeckelman
BroeckelmanN@bartonccc.edu
Additional event details, along with complete qualification criteria for wrestlers, and more will be coming soon. Visit www.KansasShrineDuals.com or www.KansasWrestling.org to stay up to date on the latest news and updates regarding the KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals.
All Kansas Shrine All-Star Events are produced and presented to benefit Shriners Children’s. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s. Shriners Children’s is a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.
Contact Kansas Shrine All-Star Events
PO Box 53, Spring Hill, KS 66083
(913) 602-8656
director@KansasShrineBowl.com
assistant@KansasShrineBowl.com
events@KansasShrineBowl.com
Contact the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association
325 Point Dr, Great Bend, KS 67530
(785) 871-7981
President – Nathan Broeckelman
BroeckelmanN@bartonccc.edu
Assistant Coaches Announced for 2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl
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KANSAS- The Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors is happy to announce the assistant coaches for the 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth. The assistant coaches are chosen based on the success of their season, as well as eligibility limitations and coach availability. The East assistant coaching staff features five coaches with Shrine Bowl experience, while the West assistant coaching staff will all be making their first coaching appearance in the Kansas Shrine Bowl. The 2024 Head Coaches, announced earlier this year, are Wamego’s Weston Moody for the East and McPherson’s Jace Pavlovich for the West. The 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth will be played at Welch Stadium, on the campus of Emporia State University, on Saturday, June 29th, 2024, at 7 p.m.
The Assistant coaches for the East team are Steve Buhler (6A - Washburn Rural), Jason Swift (5A - Shawnee Heights), Preston Troyer (4A - Tonganoxie), Mark Smith (3A - Frontenac), Garrett Michael (2A - Sabetha), and Shawn Seematter (1A - St. Mary’s Colgan). The East coaching staff had a combined record of 67-15 in 2023, with five of the seven coaches leading their programs to the State Semifinals. The East staff boasts plenty of experience with both Steve Buhler (2012, 2020) and Jason Swift (2013) having both been Head Coaches in the Shrine Bowl previously. Mark Smith, Garrett Michael and Shawn Seematter were all on the 2018 Kansas Shrine Bowl East staff that helped lead the East team to their most recent victory over the West, a 21-14 victory in Pittsburg. Smith was also part of a Shrine Bowl victory for the East team in 2004 as a player, the only former player on the 2024 East coaching staff.
Assistant coaches for the West team are Dominick Dingle (6A - Wichita Heights), Darrin Fisher (5A - Eisenhower), Jeremiah Meeks (4A - Wellington), Trey Teeter (3A - Holcomb), Mitch Gebhardt (2A - Southeast of Saline), and Nicolas Schmidt (1A - Medicine Lodge). The West Coaching staff had a combined 56-20 record in 2023, with 1A Assistant Nicolas Schmidt making the deepest postseason run with a semifinal appearance at Medicine Lodge. Outside of Head Coach Jace Pavlovich, the West staff will all be coaching in the Kansas Shrine Bowl for the first time. Only Trey Teeter, Holcomb, has previous Kansas Shrine Bowl experience as a player on the 2016 West team.
“We’re excited to have this group of coaches on board for the 2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl,” said Brice Kesler of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “They give up valuable family time and time with their own programs to be a part of this great tradition. This is a group of men and leaders who truly understand our cause and the purpose of this event. We’re thrilled to have their knowledge and leadership for our respective teams this year.”
The annual Kansas Shrine Bowl Player Selection Show is set to air on Monday, January 1st, 2024 at 10 a.m. The show can be watched live at www.KansasShrineBowl.com or www.Youtube.com/KansasShrineBowl.
For more information, please visit www.KansasShrineBowl.com or call the Kansas Shrine Bowl office at 913-602-8656.
All Kansas Shrine Bowl events are produced and presented to benefit Shriners Children’s. In 2023, the Kansas Shrine Bowl donated $100,000 to Shriners Children’s and has given more than $3.8M since 1974. Shriners Children’s offers care for a range of orthopedic issues, as well as care for burn injuries, craniofacial conditions, spine care and spinal cord injuries, colorectal and gastrointestinal care, and sports medicine. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.
The Kansas Shrine Bowl is an all-star high school senior, East vs. West, football game put on each year in Kansas, by the Kansas Shrine. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children, now known as Shriners Children’s. The Kansas Shrine Bowl has donated over $3.8M to Shriners Children’s.
The game has been played throughout Kansas each summer since 1974. Host cities have included Lawrence, Manhattan, Wichita, Topeka, Hays, Emporia, Pittsburg, Dodge City and Hutchinson. The West football team camp will be held at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas, and the East team camp will be held at Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas. The East Camp Directors are Jack Call and Jim Whitehead. The West Camp Directors are Richard Steele and Greg King.
Beginning in 1974, the flagship event has been the East/West All-Star Football Game. As of 2023, the West leads the series with 31 wins, the East has 17 wins, and there have been two ties. Notable NFL alumni include Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, All-Pro Wide Receiver Jordy Nelson, All-Pro NFL Defensive Back Terrance Newman, former Kansas State and Kansas City Chiefs Linebacker Gary Spani, former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl Champion Linebacker Mark Simoneau, current NFL player Cody Whitehair, and many others.
The Kansas Shrine Bowl week also includes the Kansas Masonic All-State Marching Band Camp, Kansas Shrine Bowl Cheer Camp, Friday Night Event, Pep Rally, Parade, Golf Tournament and more. Learn more about other events during the week of the Kansas Shrine Bowl at www.KansasShrineBowl.com/events.
The Assistant coaches for the East team are Steve Buhler (6A - Washburn Rural), Jason Swift (5A - Shawnee Heights), Preston Troyer (4A - Tonganoxie), Mark Smith (3A - Frontenac), Garrett Michael (2A - Sabetha), and Shawn Seematter (1A - St. Mary’s Colgan). The East coaching staff had a combined record of 67-15 in 2023, with five of the seven coaches leading their programs to the State Semifinals. The East staff boasts plenty of experience with both Steve Buhler (2012, 2020) and Jason Swift (2013) having both been Head Coaches in the Shrine Bowl previously. Mark Smith, Garrett Michael and Shawn Seematter were all on the 2018 Kansas Shrine Bowl East staff that helped lead the East team to their most recent victory over the West, a 21-14 victory in Pittsburg. Smith was also part of a Shrine Bowl victory for the East team in 2004 as a player, the only former player on the 2024 East coaching staff.
Assistant coaches for the West team are Dominick Dingle (6A - Wichita Heights), Darrin Fisher (5A - Eisenhower), Jeremiah Meeks (4A - Wellington), Trey Teeter (3A - Holcomb), Mitch Gebhardt (2A - Southeast of Saline), and Nicolas Schmidt (1A - Medicine Lodge). The West Coaching staff had a combined 56-20 record in 2023, with 1A Assistant Nicolas Schmidt making the deepest postseason run with a semifinal appearance at Medicine Lodge. Outside of Head Coach Jace Pavlovich, the West staff will all be coaching in the Kansas Shrine Bowl for the first time. Only Trey Teeter, Holcomb, has previous Kansas Shrine Bowl experience as a player on the 2016 West team.
“We’re excited to have this group of coaches on board for the 2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl,” said Brice Kesler of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “They give up valuable family time and time with their own programs to be a part of this great tradition. This is a group of men and leaders who truly understand our cause and the purpose of this event. We’re thrilled to have their knowledge and leadership for our respective teams this year.”
The annual Kansas Shrine Bowl Player Selection Show is set to air on Monday, January 1st, 2024 at 10 a.m. The show can be watched live at www.KansasShrineBowl.com or www.Youtube.com/KansasShrineBowl.
For more information, please visit www.KansasShrineBowl.com or call the Kansas Shrine Bowl office at 913-602-8656.
All Kansas Shrine Bowl events are produced and presented to benefit Shriners Children’s. In 2023, the Kansas Shrine Bowl donated $100,000 to Shriners Children’s and has given more than $3.8M since 1974. Shriners Children’s offers care for a range of orthopedic issues, as well as care for burn injuries, craniofacial conditions, spine care and spinal cord injuries, colorectal and gastrointestinal care, and sports medicine. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.
The Kansas Shrine Bowl is an all-star high school senior, East vs. West, football game put on each year in Kansas, by the Kansas Shrine. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children, now known as Shriners Children’s. The Kansas Shrine Bowl has donated over $3.8M to Shriners Children’s.
The game has been played throughout Kansas each summer since 1974. Host cities have included Lawrence, Manhattan, Wichita, Topeka, Hays, Emporia, Pittsburg, Dodge City and Hutchinson. The West football team camp will be held at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas, and the East team camp will be held at Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas. The East Camp Directors are Jack Call and Jim Whitehead. The West Camp Directors are Richard Steele and Greg King.
Beginning in 1974, the flagship event has been the East/West All-Star Football Game. As of 2023, the West leads the series with 31 wins, the East has 17 wins, and there have been two ties. Notable NFL alumni include Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, All-Pro Wide Receiver Jordy Nelson, All-Pro NFL Defensive Back Terrance Newman, former Kansas State and Kansas City Chiefs Linebacker Gary Spani, former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl Champion Linebacker Mark Simoneau, current NFL player Cody Whitehair, and many others.
The Kansas Shrine Bowl week also includes the Kansas Masonic All-State Marching Band Camp, Kansas Shrine Bowl Cheer Camp, Friday Night Event, Pep Rally, Parade, Golf Tournament and more. Learn more about other events during the week of the Kansas Shrine Bowl at www.KansasShrineBowl.com/events.
Head Coaches Selected for 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl
Wamego’s Weston Moody and McPherson’s Jace Pavlovich to lead 2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl teams
Kansas Shrine Bowl Announces 2024 Head Coaches |
KANSAS- The Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors is excited to announce the selection of Weston Moody, Wamego, and Jace Pavlovich, McPherson, as the next head coaches of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. The 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth will be played on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Welch Stadium in Emporia, Kansas. The head coaches are selected from the group of assistant coaches in the previous year’s game. This selection is determined by a vote from the previous coaching staff, camp directors, trainers, and managers.
The East team will be led by Wamego High School Head Coach, Weston Moody. Coach Moody is entering his sixth season as the Head Coach at Wamego High School, where he has compiled an overall record of 38-15. Wamego is coming off a 12-1 season that included their first ever state championship game appearance in 2022. Coach Moody was named the 4A Coach of the Year by multiple outlets following his program’s historic 2022 season.
"I am honored to be selected as the Head Coach of the Shrine Bowl East squad,” said East Head Coach Weston Moody. “I'm humbled to be able to play a small part in the efforts of the Shriners, who provide care to youth in need worldwide and highlight the best football players in the state of Kansas. I'm grateful for this opportunity, and it would not be possible without our players, staff, Wamego community and my family."
The East team will be led by Wamego High School Head Coach, Weston Moody. Coach Moody is entering his sixth season as the Head Coach at Wamego High School, where he has compiled an overall record of 38-15. Wamego is coming off a 12-1 season that included their first ever state championship game appearance in 2022. Coach Moody was named the 4A Coach of the Year by multiple outlets following his program’s historic 2022 season.
"I am honored to be selected as the Head Coach of the Shrine Bowl East squad,” said East Head Coach Weston Moody. “I'm humbled to be able to play a small part in the efforts of the Shriners, who provide care to youth in need worldwide and highlight the best football players in the state of Kansas. I'm grateful for this opportunity, and it would not be possible without our players, staff, Wamego community and my family."
McPherson High School Head Coach Jace Pavlovich will lead the 2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl West team. Coach Pavlovich is entering his ninth season as the Head Coach at McPherson High School where he has put together a career record of 72-18. Pavlovich enters the 2023 season tied with Tom Young as the program’s all-time wins leader. The Bullpups finished 10-2 during the 2022 season.
"I am honored and privileged to be chosen to lead the West squad this year,” said West Head Coach Jace Pavlovich. “To have the privilege of being a small part of this great event and to help in the noble cause it represents is a dream come true. I am grateful for being chosen, but the credit should rest with the outstanding players, coaches, and administrators at McPherson High School. Westside!"
The 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth is returning to Emporia on June 29, 2024, for the sixth time and first since 2016. The West Team won the 50th Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth, 21-20, on Saturday, July 15, 2023, in Hays, Kansas. The West now holds a 31-17-2 advantage all-time and has not lost since 2018, with four wins and a tie (2022) since the last East victory in 2018.
“We’re excited to have both of these great coaches associated with our organization,” said Kansas Shrine Bowl Executive Director, B.J. Harris. “To be selected by your peers is an honor and reflects the type of skill and character both Coach Moody and Coach Pavlovich possess. We’re looking forward to working with both as we continue to grow the Kansas Shrine Bowl and maximize our impact on Shriners Children’s.”
For more history of the Kansas Shrine Bowl and information on how to donate, please visit www.KansasShrineBowl.com.
Contact the Kansas Shrine Bowl
PO Box 53, Spring Hill, KS 66083
(913) 602-8656
director@KansasShrineBowl.com
assistant@KansasShrineBowl.com
events@KansasShrineBowl.com
The Kansas Shrine Bowl is an East vs. West, statewide all-star high school senior football game put on each year by the Kansas Shrine. It is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s. The Kansas Shrine Bowl has sent over $3.7M to Shriners Hospitals for Children. The game has been played throughout Kansas each summer since 1974. Host cities have included Lawrence, Manhattan, Wichita, Topeka, Hays, Emporia, Pittsburg, Dodge City and Hutchinson. Beginning in 1974, the flagship event has been the East/West All-Star Football Game. As of 2023, the West leads the series with 31 wins, the East has 17 wins, and there have been two ties. Notable alumni include NFL Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, former All-Pro Wide Receiver Jordy Nelson, former All-Pro NFL Defensive Back Terrance Newman, former Kansas State and Kansas City Chiefs Linebacker Gary Spani, former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl Champion Linebacker Mark Simoneau and many others.
The Kansas Shrine Bowl also includes the Kansas Masonic All-State Marching Band Camp and Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Cheer Camp. Additional events include the Shriners Hospital Experience, Participant Appreciation Banquet, Parade, Golf Tournament and more. All Shrine Bowl events are produced and presented to benefit Shriners Children’s. Shriners Children’s is a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.
"I am honored and privileged to be chosen to lead the West squad this year,” said West Head Coach Jace Pavlovich. “To have the privilege of being a small part of this great event and to help in the noble cause it represents is a dream come true. I am grateful for being chosen, but the credit should rest with the outstanding players, coaches, and administrators at McPherson High School. Westside!"
The 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth is returning to Emporia on June 29, 2024, for the sixth time and first since 2016. The West Team won the 50th Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth, 21-20, on Saturday, July 15, 2023, in Hays, Kansas. The West now holds a 31-17-2 advantage all-time and has not lost since 2018, with four wins and a tie (2022) since the last East victory in 2018.
“We’re excited to have both of these great coaches associated with our organization,” said Kansas Shrine Bowl Executive Director, B.J. Harris. “To be selected by your peers is an honor and reflects the type of skill and character both Coach Moody and Coach Pavlovich possess. We’re looking forward to working with both as we continue to grow the Kansas Shrine Bowl and maximize our impact on Shriners Children’s.”
For more history of the Kansas Shrine Bowl and information on how to donate, please visit www.KansasShrineBowl.com.
Contact the Kansas Shrine Bowl
PO Box 53, Spring Hill, KS 66083
(913) 602-8656
director@KansasShrineBowl.com
assistant@KansasShrineBowl.com
events@KansasShrineBowl.com
The Kansas Shrine Bowl is an East vs. West, statewide all-star high school senior football game put on each year by the Kansas Shrine. It is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s. The Kansas Shrine Bowl has sent over $3.7M to Shriners Hospitals for Children. The game has been played throughout Kansas each summer since 1974. Host cities have included Lawrence, Manhattan, Wichita, Topeka, Hays, Emporia, Pittsburg, Dodge City and Hutchinson. Beginning in 1974, the flagship event has been the East/West All-Star Football Game. As of 2023, the West leads the series with 31 wins, the East has 17 wins, and there have been two ties. Notable alumni include NFL Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, former All-Pro Wide Receiver Jordy Nelson, former All-Pro NFL Defensive Back Terrance Newman, former Kansas State and Kansas City Chiefs Linebacker Gary Spani, former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl Champion Linebacker Mark Simoneau and many others.
The Kansas Shrine Bowl also includes the Kansas Masonic All-State Marching Band Camp and Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Cheer Camp. Additional events include the Shriners Hospital Experience, Participant Appreciation Banquet, Parade, Golf Tournament and more. All Shrine Bowl events are produced and presented to benefit Shriners Children’s. Shriners Children’s is a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.
West Defeats East 21-20 in 50th Kansas Shrine Bowl
Final Stats - 50th Kansas Shrine Bowl
Game Story by: Rick Peterson Jr., KSHSAA Covered (original story here)
HAYS – Tony Crough had Little River’s Braxton Lafferty pinned as a possible breakout star in the Kansas Shrine Bowl.
The more the Hays High coach watched the Eight-man standout in the West practices, the more Crough thought Lafferty would turn heads at linebacker.
“We said: Watch out for Braxton,” said Crough, head coach for the West squad. “There’s more people on the field than he’s used to having, so we didn’t know what it’d look like, but once he practiced a little bit and got comfortable, he showed that he's got some special skills.”
Those skills were on display in the 50th edition of the Shrine Bowl, with Lafferty logging a game-high 12 tackles and sealing a 21-20 West win with a late sack on Saturday at Fort Hays State’s Lewis Field Stadium.
“Just was playing my heart out,” said Lafferty, a Fort Hays State signee. “I didn’t want to leave anything out on the field. I wanted to show people that Eight-Man people are players too. We can play with the big dogs.”
Lafferty helped the West hold off the East’s fourth-quarter comeback. He blitzed off the edge and notched a sack on a 4th and 17 at the West 45 on the East's final possession. Lafferty recorded 3.5 tackles for loss.
“We were talking in the huddle that we weren’t going to blitz, and then coach called a blitz, and my eyes lit up,” said Lafferty, who was a part of a state championship and two runner-up teams at Little River. “I was ready to go. Caden Miranda pancaked the tackle and it opened up a gap for me to go.”
Lafferty was one of several West players who stood out on the defensive side. Hays’ Evan Lind and El Dorado’s Jalen Rice each had interceptions to set up touchdowns. Andale’s Riley Marx and Beloit’s Grady Seyfert were among other key playmakers on defense.
“It was impressive,” Crough said of the defensive effort. “(McPherson coach Jace Pavlovich) had a good plan put together, and we executed it really well. We knew we were going to have to get some takeaways. They had some big backs, a big offensive line over there, good quarterbacks. We knew if they got their run game going it could be trouble.”
Quarterbacks Keenan Schartz (Manhattan) and Keller Hurla (St. Marys) were named Most Valuable Players for their respective sides. Both are headed to Washburn.
Schartz completed 16 of 18 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown and also had a rushing TD for the West. His father, Manhattan coach Joe Schartz, was an assistant for the West. Manhattan went 13-0 last year and captured the Class 6A state championship.
“The Shrine Bowl has always been something I wanted to do, just because my dad played in it in ‘93,” Keenan said. “It’s a big thing in the Schartz family. Coming in, I didn’t really understand, but by the end of the week I definitely understood what this game means. It’s just been a blast, this whole experience.”
The East trailed 21-6 after three quarters but crept within a point after a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns. After a 1-yard TD run from East’s Eric Butler (Olathe Northwest) made it 21-20 with 5:33 left, the East went for the lead, but Hurla’s pass fell incomplete on the two-point try.
The decision to go for two took a tie out of the equation after last year’s game in Pittsburg ended in a 10-10 stalemate.
“(The decision was) easier because our short snapper got hurt,” said East head coach Clint Rider of Blue Valley Northwest. “But I told the guys if we got close we weren’t going for the tie. We don’t do that on the East side. We were going to go for two if it came down to it. We ran the best play we had left, and the (West) played it really well.”
The West struck first when a 23-yard pass from Schartz to Hesston’s Jake Proctor set up a 1-yard TD run from Salina Central’s Kenyon McMillan with 3;36 left in the first quarter.
Lind, who represented Hays High along with teammate Bryce Salmans, set up the West’’s second TD after picking off a pass from his linebacker spot and returning it 24 yards to the East 20. Schartz hit Circle’s Ty Smith over the middle for a touchdown on the next play.
Marx, who won a fourth straight 3A state championship with Andale last year, helped create Lind’s pick.
“I saw where the ball was going, and (Marx) was right in the lane, perfectly," Lind said. “It just bounced off his chest and I was right there and took off.”
“That’s what he did (at Hays High),” Crough said of Lind. “He had three touchdowns this year. He’s just kind of a ball magnet. Evan got picked up (for the Shrine Bowl) a month ago. We felt like at Hays High we had five or six guys that were capable of playing in this game, and Evan was one of them. He got his opportunity and took advantage of it.”
The East scored late in the second quarter on a 11-yard pass from Hurla to Shawnee Mission Northwest’s Malik O’Atis but didn’t convert the PAT. The West led 14-6 at halftime.
Rice came up with a huge play in the third quarter, picking off a pass at midfield and returning it 46 yards to set up a 2-yard touchdown run by Schartz.
“He’s going to be a really good college linebacker,” Crough said of Rice. “He’s what a lot of those linebackers are now – ex-running backs. He’s quick, he’s athletic, he can tackle.”
The East dominated the fourth quarter. Hurla found Girard’s Luke Niggemann for a 4-yard touchdown pass and the East tacked on the two-point try on a pass from Axtell’s Isaac Detweiler to Troy’s Jerrit Norris to make it 21-14 with 8:51 left.
After a defensive stop, the East marched 59 yards and punched it on Butler’s plunge before missing the two-point try.
The East outgained the West 281-181 but were hurt by three turnovers.
“We were moving the ball quite a bit throughout the game,” Rider said. “We gave them some short fields, and missed a red zone opportunity – those two things hurt.
“Our kids just battled. Keller (Hurla) came in at quarterback, and, gosh, he’s just a competitor and played a great game. We just came up a little bit short but our guys are fighters and they’re great men of character.”
Hurla finished 9 of 11 for 103 yards through the air with two touchdowns and rushed for 48 yards on 14 carries.
Crough said it was a week he’ll cherish.
“Hays is just such a special place,” said Crough, a Garden City native who is entering his sixth season as Hays High coach. “A lot of people don’t know about it, especially when you get past Salina and Manhattan. We felt like we could put our best foot forward and show what a great community and great facility we have. It was a great crowd here.
“For me, playing in the Shrine Bowl and having a camp here and coaching in the game here, it’s just kind of full circle. It was real special for me and for this community.”
Sanders on hand for Hall of Fame induction
NFL legend Barry Sanders was in attendance for his induction into the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame along with his high school coach at Wichita North, Dale Burkholder.
Sanders and Burkholder were recognized in a pregame ceremony.
Sanders, who played in the 1986 Shrine Bowl, won the Heisman trophy at Oklahoma State before establishing himself as one of the greatest running backs of all-time in a 10-year career for the Detroit Lions. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
“I really cherished being a Shrine Bowl participant,” Sanders told the crowd. “I watched the game growing up and I feel like I was really fortunate to be picked to play in the game. This is such a fantastic atmosphere. I can’t believe it’s been so many years since I participated in it.
“I look back with such fond, fond memories of being able to participate in it. It’s been a tremendous day and I’ll remember this forever.”
Game Story by: Rick Peterson Jr., KSHSAA Covered (original story here)
HAYS – Tony Crough had Little River’s Braxton Lafferty pinned as a possible breakout star in the Kansas Shrine Bowl.
The more the Hays High coach watched the Eight-man standout in the West practices, the more Crough thought Lafferty would turn heads at linebacker.
“We said: Watch out for Braxton,” said Crough, head coach for the West squad. “There’s more people on the field than he’s used to having, so we didn’t know what it’d look like, but once he practiced a little bit and got comfortable, he showed that he's got some special skills.”
Those skills were on display in the 50th edition of the Shrine Bowl, with Lafferty logging a game-high 12 tackles and sealing a 21-20 West win with a late sack on Saturday at Fort Hays State’s Lewis Field Stadium.
“Just was playing my heart out,” said Lafferty, a Fort Hays State signee. “I didn’t want to leave anything out on the field. I wanted to show people that Eight-Man people are players too. We can play with the big dogs.”
Lafferty helped the West hold off the East’s fourth-quarter comeback. He blitzed off the edge and notched a sack on a 4th and 17 at the West 45 on the East's final possession. Lafferty recorded 3.5 tackles for loss.
“We were talking in the huddle that we weren’t going to blitz, and then coach called a blitz, and my eyes lit up,” said Lafferty, who was a part of a state championship and two runner-up teams at Little River. “I was ready to go. Caden Miranda pancaked the tackle and it opened up a gap for me to go.”
Lafferty was one of several West players who stood out on the defensive side. Hays’ Evan Lind and El Dorado’s Jalen Rice each had interceptions to set up touchdowns. Andale’s Riley Marx and Beloit’s Grady Seyfert were among other key playmakers on defense.
“It was impressive,” Crough said of the defensive effort. “(McPherson coach Jace Pavlovich) had a good plan put together, and we executed it really well. We knew we were going to have to get some takeaways. They had some big backs, a big offensive line over there, good quarterbacks. We knew if they got their run game going it could be trouble.”
Quarterbacks Keenan Schartz (Manhattan) and Keller Hurla (St. Marys) were named Most Valuable Players for their respective sides. Both are headed to Washburn.
Schartz completed 16 of 18 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown and also had a rushing TD for the West. His father, Manhattan coach Joe Schartz, was an assistant for the West. Manhattan went 13-0 last year and captured the Class 6A state championship.
“The Shrine Bowl has always been something I wanted to do, just because my dad played in it in ‘93,” Keenan said. “It’s a big thing in the Schartz family. Coming in, I didn’t really understand, but by the end of the week I definitely understood what this game means. It’s just been a blast, this whole experience.”
The East trailed 21-6 after three quarters but crept within a point after a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns. After a 1-yard TD run from East’s Eric Butler (Olathe Northwest) made it 21-20 with 5:33 left, the East went for the lead, but Hurla’s pass fell incomplete on the two-point try.
The decision to go for two took a tie out of the equation after last year’s game in Pittsburg ended in a 10-10 stalemate.
“(The decision was) easier because our short snapper got hurt,” said East head coach Clint Rider of Blue Valley Northwest. “But I told the guys if we got close we weren’t going for the tie. We don’t do that on the East side. We were going to go for two if it came down to it. We ran the best play we had left, and the (West) played it really well.”
The West struck first when a 23-yard pass from Schartz to Hesston’s Jake Proctor set up a 1-yard TD run from Salina Central’s Kenyon McMillan with 3;36 left in the first quarter.
Lind, who represented Hays High along with teammate Bryce Salmans, set up the West’’s second TD after picking off a pass from his linebacker spot and returning it 24 yards to the East 20. Schartz hit Circle’s Ty Smith over the middle for a touchdown on the next play.
Marx, who won a fourth straight 3A state championship with Andale last year, helped create Lind’s pick.
“I saw where the ball was going, and (Marx) was right in the lane, perfectly," Lind said. “It just bounced off his chest and I was right there and took off.”
“That’s what he did (at Hays High),” Crough said of Lind. “He had three touchdowns this year. He’s just kind of a ball magnet. Evan got picked up (for the Shrine Bowl) a month ago. We felt like at Hays High we had five or six guys that were capable of playing in this game, and Evan was one of them. He got his opportunity and took advantage of it.”
The East scored late in the second quarter on a 11-yard pass from Hurla to Shawnee Mission Northwest’s Malik O’Atis but didn’t convert the PAT. The West led 14-6 at halftime.
Rice came up with a huge play in the third quarter, picking off a pass at midfield and returning it 46 yards to set up a 2-yard touchdown run by Schartz.
“He’s going to be a really good college linebacker,” Crough said of Rice. “He’s what a lot of those linebackers are now – ex-running backs. He’s quick, he’s athletic, he can tackle.”
The East dominated the fourth quarter. Hurla found Girard’s Luke Niggemann for a 4-yard touchdown pass and the East tacked on the two-point try on a pass from Axtell’s Isaac Detweiler to Troy’s Jerrit Norris to make it 21-14 with 8:51 left.
After a defensive stop, the East marched 59 yards and punched it on Butler’s plunge before missing the two-point try.
The East outgained the West 281-181 but were hurt by three turnovers.
“We were moving the ball quite a bit throughout the game,” Rider said. “We gave them some short fields, and missed a red zone opportunity – those two things hurt.
“Our kids just battled. Keller (Hurla) came in at quarterback, and, gosh, he’s just a competitor and played a great game. We just came up a little bit short but our guys are fighters and they’re great men of character.”
Hurla finished 9 of 11 for 103 yards through the air with two touchdowns and rushed for 48 yards on 14 carries.
Crough said it was a week he’ll cherish.
“Hays is just such a special place,” said Crough, a Garden City native who is entering his sixth season as Hays High coach. “A lot of people don’t know about it, especially when you get past Salina and Manhattan. We felt like we could put our best foot forward and show what a great community and great facility we have. It was a great crowd here.
“For me, playing in the Shrine Bowl and having a camp here and coaching in the game here, it’s just kind of full circle. It was real special for me and for this community.”
Sanders on hand for Hall of Fame induction
NFL legend Barry Sanders was in attendance for his induction into the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame along with his high school coach at Wichita North, Dale Burkholder.
Sanders and Burkholder were recognized in a pregame ceremony.
Sanders, who played in the 1986 Shrine Bowl, won the Heisman trophy at Oklahoma State before establishing himself as one of the greatest running backs of all-time in a 10-year career for the Detroit Lions. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
“I really cherished being a Shrine Bowl participant,” Sanders told the crowd. “I watched the game growing up and I feel like I was really fortunate to be picked to play in the game. This is such a fantastic atmosphere. I can’t believe it’s been so many years since I participated in it.
“I look back with such fond, fond memories of being able to participate in it. It’s been a tremendous day and I’ll remember this forever.”
Kansas Shrine Bowl Announces 2024 Game Site
Kansas’ premiere all-star event returns to Emporia
Just weeks ahead of their 50th event in Hays, the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors is excited to announce the return of the Kansas Shrine Bowl to Emporia in 2024. The 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth will be held Saturday, June 29th, 2024, at Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University. “Emporia State’s Welch Stadium will be a great backdrop for our game, with a true all-star environment,” said B.J. Harris, Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “We’re thrilled to welcome the Kansas Shrine Bowl back to Emporia for the first time since 2016,” said LeLan Dains, Director of Visit Emporia. “It provides a great opportunity to host students and athletes in our community and we hope they’ll take full advantage of all Emporia has to offer.”
“Emporia has always been a great host city for the Kansas Shrine Bowl,” said Harris. “We’ve had successful events each time we’ve returned, and we’re excited about what 2024 has in store!”
The Kansas Shrine Bowl is awarded following a competitive bid process which includes communities across Kansas. Since 1974, the Kansas Shrine Bowl has been played in Lawrence, Manhattan, Wichita, Topeka, Hays, Emporia, Pittsburg, Dodge City, and Hutchinson.
In addition to the Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Football game and camp for eighty players, the Kansas Shrine Bowl event includes all-star band and cheer camps for more than two hundred respectively. Additional events include a golf tournament, banquet, parade, alumni reunion, tailgate party, and more.
The Kansas Shrine Bowl is an all-star high school senior, East vs. West, football game put on each year in Kansas, by the Kansas Shrine. It is a 501(c) 3 non-profit charity that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children, now known as Shriners Children’s. The Kansas Shrine Bowl has donated over $3.7M to Shriners Children’s.
Beginning in 1974, the flagship event has been the East/West All-Star Football Game. As of 2022, the West leads the series with 30 wins, the East has 17 wins, and there have been two ties. Recent NFL alumni include Cody Whitehair (Chicago Bears). Additional notable alumni include former All-Pro Wide Receiver Jordy Nelson, former All-Pro NFL Defensive Back Terrance Newman, NFL Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, former Kansas State and Kansas City Chiefs Linebacker Gary Spani, former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl Champion Linebacker Mark Simoneau and many others.
Learn more about the upcoming 50th Kansas Shrine Bowl, Saturday, July 15th, 2023, in Hays, Kansas at www.KansasShrineBowl.com.
For more information contact B.J. Harris, Executive Director, at director@kansasshrinebowl.com or (913) 602-8656.
“Emporia has always been a great host city for the Kansas Shrine Bowl,” said Harris. “We’ve had successful events each time we’ve returned, and we’re excited about what 2024 has in store!”
The Kansas Shrine Bowl is awarded following a competitive bid process which includes communities across Kansas. Since 1974, the Kansas Shrine Bowl has been played in Lawrence, Manhattan, Wichita, Topeka, Hays, Emporia, Pittsburg, Dodge City, and Hutchinson.
In addition to the Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Football game and camp for eighty players, the Kansas Shrine Bowl event includes all-star band and cheer camps for more than two hundred respectively. Additional events include a golf tournament, banquet, parade, alumni reunion, tailgate party, and more.
The Kansas Shrine Bowl is an all-star high school senior, East vs. West, football game put on each year in Kansas, by the Kansas Shrine. It is a 501(c) 3 non-profit charity that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children, now known as Shriners Children’s. The Kansas Shrine Bowl has donated over $3.7M to Shriners Children’s.
Beginning in 1974, the flagship event has been the East/West All-Star Football Game. As of 2022, the West leads the series with 30 wins, the East has 17 wins, and there have been two ties. Recent NFL alumni include Cody Whitehair (Chicago Bears). Additional notable alumni include former All-Pro Wide Receiver Jordy Nelson, former All-Pro NFL Defensive Back Terrance Newman, NFL Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, former Kansas State and Kansas City Chiefs Linebacker Gary Spani, former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl Champion Linebacker Mark Simoneau and many others.
Learn more about the upcoming 50th Kansas Shrine Bowl, Saturday, July 15th, 2023, in Hays, Kansas at www.KansasShrineBowl.com.
For more information contact B.J. Harris, Executive Director, at director@kansasshrinebowl.com or (913) 602-8656.