|
53rd Kansas Shrine Bowl
Saturday, June 27, 2026 Welch Stadium Emporia, Kansas 7:00 PM |
Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame
The Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame is established for the purpose of honoring those individuals who have gained recognition and fame for themselves and the Kansas Shrine Bowl as a result of their endeavors and accomplishments.
Requirements to become eligible:
The Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame is established for the purpose of honoring those individuals who have gained recognition and fame for themselves and the Kansas Shrine Bowl as a result of their endeavors and accomplishments.
Requirements to become eligible:
- Nominees must have participated in the Kansas Shrine Bowl at least 10 years prior
- Nominees must have distinguished themselves as an athlete and/or citizen
- Nominees must have outstanding professional accomplishments
- Nominees must agree to be present, unless disabled or deceased, to personally accept their award
- Nominations must be received by September 1st each year to be considered for induction the following year
2026 Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Inductions
The 2026 Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Class will be inducted Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame ceremony during the Coach Bill Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter National Football Foundation Banquet in Lawrence, Kansas. Additional event details and ticketing information will be announced soon. The Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Class of 2026 includes: Gary Davis, 19-time Kansas Shrine Bowl Official; Phil Miller, Kapaun Mt. Carmel H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star (1974); Warren Seitz, Topeka West H.S./Nemaha Central H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl East All-Star (1981), 3-time Kansas Shrine Bowl Coach (1999, 2017, 2018 Head Coach); and Travis Stepps, Fort Scott H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl East All-Star (1997). The 2026 Hall of Fame inductees will also be honored at the 53rd Kansas Shrine Bowl on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Emporia.
Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Members
CLASS OF 2007
JON BINGESSER
1975 & 1981 Kansas Shrine Bowl Coach. Coach Bingesser has complied a high school football coaching record of 144-73-1 in 23 years. He graduated from Washburn University with 12 varsity letters including 3 in football, 1 in basketball, 4 in baseball and 4 in track. He received his Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Emporia State University and his School Administration Degree from Fort Hays State University. He has been named to the Washburn University Hall of Fame and received several Coach of the Year honors as well as being named the KASSP area III assistant Principal of the Year twice.
RON BOWEN
1986, 1987, & 1995 Kansas Shrine Bowl Coach. A long time coach at Washburn Rural High School, a past player said of Coach Bowen, “Outside of my parents, Coach Bowen has had more of an impact on my life than anyone. Hard work, honesty and the importance of doing things the right way are just a few of the lessons he taught me.”
ROGER ROBBEN
1987 Kansas Shrine Bowl player. While attending the University of Kansas he lettered 4 years in football and led the Big 8 Conference in tackles as a linebacker in 1989. He was the lead blocker as a fullback when Tony Sands set Division IA-NCAA rushing record for a game vs. Missouri in 1991.
GENE JOHN
1982 & 1983 Kansas Shrine Bowl Coach. To quote from a former player, “Along with a tremendous football coaching record that stands as a testimony to his impact on the sport of football in the state of Kansas, he was a unique individual. Coach John never saw himself as “better” than the next guy, although he came out on top in the win column more often than not. Coach John was a “gentlemen’s coach” who treated his players with respect and dignity, and let them have room to be individuals; yet taught the essence of team, and would not tolerate poor sportsmanship or showoffs.”
GARY SPANI
1974 Kansas Shrine Bowl player. Gary played at KSU from 1974-1977 and 10 years for Kansas City. He was the all-time leading tackler for Kansas State and for the Chiefs organization. A member of the K-State hall of Fame, the NCAA College Football Hall of Fame, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame and the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame.
DR. GREG WOODS
1975 Kansas Shrine Bowl player. Dr. Woods played his college football at Kansas University from 1975-1979. He blocked for Nolan Cromwell and lettered as an offensive guard. Upon graduation he had offers for 3 NFL team tryouts, however he chose to attend medical school and pursue his life-long ambition of becoming a doctor where he has distinguished himself as an outstanding citizen serving others. He has been featured several times as the guest speaker at KSHSAA coaches’ clinics on sports medicine and was the team physician for the West Kansas Shrine Bowl squad from 1994-2002.
CLASS OF 2008
PAUL COFFMAN
Paul played in the first Kansas Shrine Bowl Game (1974) following graduation from high school in Chase, Kansas. He was an outstanding football player at KSU and was drafted into the NFL by the Green Bay Packers. His 10 year NFL career spanned 154 games with Green Bay, Kansas City and Minnesota. He was a 3-time Pro Bowler and a 2-time All-Pro. He has assisted the Shrine Bowl many times, doing radio promotions, guest appearances, public speaking and in 2007 he co-chaired and worked the Kansas Shrine Bowl High School combine. He was inducted into the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame in 1994.
MYRON CONVERSE
Myron played in the 1982 Kansas Shrine Bowl after graduation from Manhattan High School. Myron played football and graduated from KSU. He received his Doctorate of Chiropractic at Cleveland Chiropractic. He has a practice in Clay Center and in Junction City. Myron served 6 years on the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors (President of the Board in 2002) and has also volunteered as the Kansas Shrine Bowl West Camp Director.
LARRY LEMASTER
Larry played in the 1977 Kansas Shrine Bowl Game following graduation from Wellington High School. He graduated from Kansas University in 1981. He is a member and donor to the Kansas Shrine Bowl Alumni Association.
RUSS RIEDERER
Russ played in the 1975 Kansas Shrine Bowl Game after graduating from Holton High School. Russ was a linebacker at KSU and stayed on after graduation as a Strength and Conditioning Coach. He continued his coaching career at Purdue University (1987-1990), with Green Bay Packers (1 year) and then spent 13 years as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Chicago Bears, retiring in 2005.
CLASS OF 2009
KENT ROGERS
Coach Rogers was an assistant coach for the 1974 Kansas Shrine Bowl East Squad and the Head Coach for the 1975 East Team. He has served over 24 years in public education and 16 years as the Head Football Coach at Bethel College. He also spend 14 years as assistant principal & athletic director at Rock Creek High School. Kent was Football Coach of the Year 6 times and was President of the NAIA in 1992-1993. He was inducted into the Bethel College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003. He has an undergraduate degree from ESU and a masters degree from WSU.
MIKE BELL
Mike played in the 1975 Kansas Shrine Bowl after being a standout football player at Wichita Bishop Carroll High School. He played his college football at Colorado State (also a member of the 1992 Centennial Team) where he was a consensus All-American his senior year and drafted in the 1st round (2nd overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs. During his 12 seasons with the Chiefs, he had 52 sacks, 490 tackles, and 10 fumble recoveries. Mike retired from professional football in 1991 and is currently a Kansas City Chiefs Ambassador and successful Wichita businessman. He and his wife Traci have three children; Brittney, Beau, and Brett.
STEVE HENRY
Steve played in the 1975 Kansas Shrine Bowl out of Nemaha Valley High School in Seneca. He was captain of the football team at Emporia State University where he earned 1st team all conference and All-American Honorable Mention as a defensive back. In 1997 he was selected as a member of the ESU Centennial Team. Drafted in the 5th round, he played corner back a safety for the St. Louis Cardinals, the Baltimore Colts, & the New York Giants.
CLASS OF 2012
BROOKS BARTA
Coach Barta played in the 1988 Kansas Shrine Bowl out of Smith Center and has also coached four years in 1999, 2000 (Head Coach), 2005, and 2011. After high school he attended Kansas State University where he became a team captain and was named to the All-Big 8 Squad. At KSU he received his BS degree in Math Education and MS in Education Administration.
TONY CHERICO
Coach Cherico played in the 1983 Kansas Shrine Bowl out of Shawnee Mission NW. Tony then attended the University of Arkansas where he began a great collegiate career. His accomplishments include, but are not limited, to Southwest Conference Newcomer of the year award in 1984, naming to the Southwest and Arkansas All-Decade Teams, Southwest Conference Sportsman of the Year in 1987, the Orange Bowl MVP in 1987, 3-time All-American, and 2-time finalist for the Outland and Lombardi Trophies.
TOM DINKEL
Tom played in the 1st annual Kansas Shrine Bowl game in 1974 out of Shawnee Heights High School. After high school he attended the University of Kansas where he was a team co-captain his senior year, named to the 2nd Team All-Big 8 and played in the East/West Shrine Bowl Game. Tom was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 5th round where he played out a 7 year NFL career.
MATT WALLERSTEDT
Coach Wallerstedt played in the 1984 Kansas Shrine Bowl game out of Manhattan High School. He then attended Kansas State University and in 1987 was named the team captain, MVP, All-Big 8 LB, and an Honorable Mention All-American. Since then he has coached for over 20 years at many institutions including Kansas State, Arizona State, Fort Hays State, Emporia State, Wyoming, North Alabama, Akron, and at the Air Force Academy.
CLASS OF 2013
CARL HALL
Hall, coming out of Campus High in Wichita as a Quarterback, played for the West Squad in the 1989 Kansas Shrine Bowl Game played in Wichita, KS. After high school Hall decided on a baseball career where he experienced much success. In 1994, Hall was an All-American Outfielder, Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year and was recently inducted into the Shocker Sports Hall of Fame. He was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 1994 Major League Draft.
ROGER BARTA
Coach Barta, widely known as the best high school coach that the state of Kansas has ever seen, has been a coach for the Kansas Shrine Bowl West Squad four different times. He was an assistant coach in 1980, 1987, and 1998 with his one head coaching experience being in 1988. As the head football coach of Smith Center he has accumulated an incredible record of 323 - 68 and has won 8 state championships.
SHAD MEIER
Meier played as a tight end in the 1996 Kansas Shrine Bowl for the East Squad coming out of Pittsburg High School. After the Shrine Bowl game, Meier went on to be a two-year starter for coach Bill Snyder at Kansas State University and was drafted in the 3rd round by the Tennessee Titans in 2001. After playing for the Titans for four years he signed a contract with the New Orleans Saints and retired from the NFL in 2006.
MARK SIMONEAU
Out of Smith Center, Simoneau played in the 1995 Kansas Shrine Bowl Game for the West Squad. After the game, Simoneau attended Kansas State University. Among his most prestigious honors there, he was named the Big 12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year, First Team Freshman All-American, First Team All-American, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and a Finalist for the Butkus Award. In 2000, Simoneau was drafted in the 3rd round by the Atlanta Falcons and played 10 years in the NFL with the Falcons, Eagles, Saints and Chiefs. He was a member of the 2009 New Orleans Saints World Champion Team. He is a member of K-State’s Ring of Honor, Kansas Sports Hall of Fame and was most recently inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
CLASS OF 2014
DAVID MIZE
David Mize became the Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl in 1981 and oversaw the continual growth of the organization until his retirement in December of 2012. After 31 years Mize says his most memorable moment is being able to witness the many times that players and or coaches really connected with a patient of Shriners Hospitals for Children. Prior to working for the Kansas Shrine Bowl Mize served four years in the US Army. Now Mize is retired and is employed by his wife Janette, and enjoys time with his two sons, David Eric and Adam as well as his daughter in law Libby and two grandsons Jordan and Aidan.
ZACK SIEGRIST
Played in the 1994 Kansas Shrine Bowl out of Andover High School. Zack then played at Pittsburg State where he was quarterback-making four playoff appearances. He went 23-7 as a quarterback at Pitt. Siegrist earned the Ronald Moore Award, All-MIAA honors, and Pre-Season All-American honors in 97&98 and held a national record for 189 regular season pass attempts without an interception. He played two years of Arena football after college.
STAN WEBER
Played in and was MVP the 1980 Kansas Shrine Bowl from Goddard. Played collegiately at KSU where he was a captain and academic All-American selection his senior year. He is the current color analyst for the K-State Radio Network. He has also continued to stay involved with the Kansas Shrine Bowl providing color for the radio & TV broadcast for the last 30 years. Weber is married to Nancy and they have four children: Brittani, Stanton, McKenzi and Landry.
LUCAS YARNELL
After playing in the 1992 Kansas Shrine Bowl, Yarnell played at Coffeyville Community College, followed by University of Southwestern Louisiana-where he was 1st team All Big West. He played 10 years in the Arena football league, winning the Arena Bowl Championship in 2001 with the Grand Rapids Rampage. He also played a prisoner in the 2005 remake of The Longest Yard, starring Adam Sandler, Chris Rock and Burt Reynolds. In 2001 he began coaching in Kansas with stops at Olathe South, Olathe East, Leavenworth, and in 2012 accepted a teaching and coaching position at his alma mater, Washburn Rural.
CLASS OF 2015
GENE DAYTON
He played in the 12th Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl game in 1985 for the East squad, representing Colgan High School. His most memorable moment from the game was being named MVP and setting the rushing record. It was one of the most fun games he ever played in, and the hospital trip was something he will never forget. Dayton said it made him thankful for what you really have and really puts a new and better meaning on the game. After the Shrine Bowl, Gene played 2 seasons at Coffeyville Community College, and was voted All American team his senior year. He then went to Arkansas State University graduating with a business degree. Currently Gene is part owner of Pittcraft Printing Inc. in Pittsburg and has been with them since 1991.
MIKE COOK
Mike Cook was on the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors for the Kansas Shrine Bowl from 1997 through 2009, and was board president in 2005. Mike was also a Kansas Shrine Bowl coordinator for Mirza in 2010. The reason Mike became involved in the Shrine was his wife Sally went to a meeting and heard about the shrine and hospital dads. She came home and said that he needed to be a Shriner, not long after Mike became a Shriner and a hospital dad. One of the most memorable moments Mike has from the Shrine Bowl was flying to St. Louis with the players and seeing them interact with the patients and getting to see the hospital, watching life changing moments happen in front of his eyes. He saw players come away with different feelings about the Shrine and why we are having the Shrine Bowl game in the first place.
RAY TERRELL
Ray Terrell Served on the Board of Directors for the Kansas Shrine Bowl for twelve years from November 1999 through November 2011, and was president of the board in 2008. After volunteering for the game in Emporia in 1998 he was asked to be camp director the following year. Ray served as camp director from 1999 through the game in 2011. Ray became a Shriner because of the work that they do to help the kids at the Shriners Hospital for Children. One of Ray’s many favorite memories is meeting all of the coaches and players, and never forgetting all of the people involved especially Craig Crespino who gave his life to helping kids. The Shrine has been a big part of his life and is honored to be a Mason and a Shriner and to call you brother.
CLASS OF 2016
B.J. HARRIS
A 2000 East Player, Harris went on to play at Pittsburg State before leaving the field to continue his broadcasting career. Harris also served as the the color analyst for Pittsburg State Football radio broadcasts. Harris reconnected with the Kansas Shrine Bowl when he went to work as the Executive Director the Crawford County Convention & Visitors Bureau in Pittsburg. While there Harris volunteered annually and twice successfully bid to host the game in Pittsburg. His connection to the game increased even more when Harris was selected to serve as the Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl in the fall of 2017, a position he held through 2023.
CLASS OF 2023
BARRY SANDERS
A Wichita native, Sanders played under Coach Dale Burkholder at Wichita North High School. Sanders played in the 1986 Kansas Shrine Bowl. As a senior at Wichita North, Sanders amassed over 1,400 yards and 17 touchdowns in just seven games played, averaging more than 10 yards per carry that season. Sanders went on to play at Oklahoma State, where he had one of the greatest single seasons in college football history in 1988. That season Sanders set 36 NCAA records while rushing for 2,628 yards and 39 touchdowns in only 11 games. That season's performance earned Sanders the 1988 Heisman Trophy. Sanders was selected 3rd overall by the Detroit Lions in the 1988 NFL Draft. In 10 seasons, Sanders became an NFL legend and still holds several league records. Barry was inducted to both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004. In 2020, Sanders was named to the NFL All-Time Team as one its "Greatest 100 Players" and is #9 on College Football's "150 Greatest Players" list.
LARRY GARMAN
A southeast Kansas coaching legend, Garman coached in the Kansas Shrine Bowl five times, including twice as the Head Coach in 1984 and 1996. Coach Garman was the Head Coach at Pittsburg High School for 34 seasons, where he led the Purple Dragons to three class 5A state titles. His career record was 255-84-5 with 21 playoff appearances and 31 winning seasons, both state records. Garman went on to coach at Pittsburg State University for 24 seasons following his illustrious High School coaching career. He was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 and PSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012.
DALE BURKHOLDER
Coach Burkholder coached in the 1993 (assistant) and 1994 (head coach) Kansas Shrine Bowl Games. Coach Burkholder led five different programs to the Kansas State High School Playoffs, as well as the offensive line coach for the undefeated #1 ranked offense in the country at Coffeyville Community College in 1980. Throughout his career, Coach Burkholder coached six young men that went on to play in the NFL. including a pair of Heisman Trophy winners, Mike Rozier and Barry Sanders.
CLASS OF 2025
CJ HAMILTON – Coach, Silver Lake H.S. (1977, 1985, 1986*, 2003, 2004*) *Head Coach
KENT SEDLACEK – East All-Star, Hanover H.S. (1979)
COLLIN SEXTON – West All-Star, Abilene H.S. (2012)
DANE SIMONEAU – West All-Star, Salina Sacred Heart H.S. (2007)
CLASS OF 2026
GARY DAVIS – Official, (2004-2024)
PHIL MILLER – West All-Star, Kapaun Mt. Carmel H.S. (1974)
WARREN SEITZ – East All-Star, Topeka West H.S. (1981), KSB Coach, Topeka West (1999), Nemaha Central (2017, 2018*) *Head Coach
TRAVIS STEPPS – East All-Star, Fort Scott H.S. (1997)
CLASS OF 2007
JON BINGESSER
1975 & 1981 Kansas Shrine Bowl Coach. Coach Bingesser has complied a high school football coaching record of 144-73-1 in 23 years. He graduated from Washburn University with 12 varsity letters including 3 in football, 1 in basketball, 4 in baseball and 4 in track. He received his Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Emporia State University and his School Administration Degree from Fort Hays State University. He has been named to the Washburn University Hall of Fame and received several Coach of the Year honors as well as being named the KASSP area III assistant Principal of the Year twice.
RON BOWEN
1986, 1987, & 1995 Kansas Shrine Bowl Coach. A long time coach at Washburn Rural High School, a past player said of Coach Bowen, “Outside of my parents, Coach Bowen has had more of an impact on my life than anyone. Hard work, honesty and the importance of doing things the right way are just a few of the lessons he taught me.”
ROGER ROBBEN
1987 Kansas Shrine Bowl player. While attending the University of Kansas he lettered 4 years in football and led the Big 8 Conference in tackles as a linebacker in 1989. He was the lead blocker as a fullback when Tony Sands set Division IA-NCAA rushing record for a game vs. Missouri in 1991.
GENE JOHN
1982 & 1983 Kansas Shrine Bowl Coach. To quote from a former player, “Along with a tremendous football coaching record that stands as a testimony to his impact on the sport of football in the state of Kansas, he was a unique individual. Coach John never saw himself as “better” than the next guy, although he came out on top in the win column more often than not. Coach John was a “gentlemen’s coach” who treated his players with respect and dignity, and let them have room to be individuals; yet taught the essence of team, and would not tolerate poor sportsmanship or showoffs.”
GARY SPANI
1974 Kansas Shrine Bowl player. Gary played at KSU from 1974-1977 and 10 years for Kansas City. He was the all-time leading tackler for Kansas State and for the Chiefs organization. A member of the K-State hall of Fame, the NCAA College Football Hall of Fame, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame and the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame.
DR. GREG WOODS
1975 Kansas Shrine Bowl player. Dr. Woods played his college football at Kansas University from 1975-1979. He blocked for Nolan Cromwell and lettered as an offensive guard. Upon graduation he had offers for 3 NFL team tryouts, however he chose to attend medical school and pursue his life-long ambition of becoming a doctor where he has distinguished himself as an outstanding citizen serving others. He has been featured several times as the guest speaker at KSHSAA coaches’ clinics on sports medicine and was the team physician for the West Kansas Shrine Bowl squad from 1994-2002.
CLASS OF 2008
PAUL COFFMAN
Paul played in the first Kansas Shrine Bowl Game (1974) following graduation from high school in Chase, Kansas. He was an outstanding football player at KSU and was drafted into the NFL by the Green Bay Packers. His 10 year NFL career spanned 154 games with Green Bay, Kansas City and Minnesota. He was a 3-time Pro Bowler and a 2-time All-Pro. He has assisted the Shrine Bowl many times, doing radio promotions, guest appearances, public speaking and in 2007 he co-chaired and worked the Kansas Shrine Bowl High School combine. He was inducted into the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame in 1994.
MYRON CONVERSE
Myron played in the 1982 Kansas Shrine Bowl after graduation from Manhattan High School. Myron played football and graduated from KSU. He received his Doctorate of Chiropractic at Cleveland Chiropractic. He has a practice in Clay Center and in Junction City. Myron served 6 years on the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors (President of the Board in 2002) and has also volunteered as the Kansas Shrine Bowl West Camp Director.
LARRY LEMASTER
Larry played in the 1977 Kansas Shrine Bowl Game following graduation from Wellington High School. He graduated from Kansas University in 1981. He is a member and donor to the Kansas Shrine Bowl Alumni Association.
RUSS RIEDERER
Russ played in the 1975 Kansas Shrine Bowl Game after graduating from Holton High School. Russ was a linebacker at KSU and stayed on after graduation as a Strength and Conditioning Coach. He continued his coaching career at Purdue University (1987-1990), with Green Bay Packers (1 year) and then spent 13 years as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Chicago Bears, retiring in 2005.
CLASS OF 2009
KENT ROGERS
Coach Rogers was an assistant coach for the 1974 Kansas Shrine Bowl East Squad and the Head Coach for the 1975 East Team. He has served over 24 years in public education and 16 years as the Head Football Coach at Bethel College. He also spend 14 years as assistant principal & athletic director at Rock Creek High School. Kent was Football Coach of the Year 6 times and was President of the NAIA in 1992-1993. He was inducted into the Bethel College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003. He has an undergraduate degree from ESU and a masters degree from WSU.
MIKE BELL
Mike played in the 1975 Kansas Shrine Bowl after being a standout football player at Wichita Bishop Carroll High School. He played his college football at Colorado State (also a member of the 1992 Centennial Team) where he was a consensus All-American his senior year and drafted in the 1st round (2nd overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs. During his 12 seasons with the Chiefs, he had 52 sacks, 490 tackles, and 10 fumble recoveries. Mike retired from professional football in 1991 and is currently a Kansas City Chiefs Ambassador and successful Wichita businessman. He and his wife Traci have three children; Brittney, Beau, and Brett.
STEVE HENRY
Steve played in the 1975 Kansas Shrine Bowl out of Nemaha Valley High School in Seneca. He was captain of the football team at Emporia State University where he earned 1st team all conference and All-American Honorable Mention as a defensive back. In 1997 he was selected as a member of the ESU Centennial Team. Drafted in the 5th round, he played corner back a safety for the St. Louis Cardinals, the Baltimore Colts, & the New York Giants.
CLASS OF 2012
BROOKS BARTA
Coach Barta played in the 1988 Kansas Shrine Bowl out of Smith Center and has also coached four years in 1999, 2000 (Head Coach), 2005, and 2011. After high school he attended Kansas State University where he became a team captain and was named to the All-Big 8 Squad. At KSU he received his BS degree in Math Education and MS in Education Administration.
TONY CHERICO
Coach Cherico played in the 1983 Kansas Shrine Bowl out of Shawnee Mission NW. Tony then attended the University of Arkansas where he began a great collegiate career. His accomplishments include, but are not limited, to Southwest Conference Newcomer of the year award in 1984, naming to the Southwest and Arkansas All-Decade Teams, Southwest Conference Sportsman of the Year in 1987, the Orange Bowl MVP in 1987, 3-time All-American, and 2-time finalist for the Outland and Lombardi Trophies.
TOM DINKEL
Tom played in the 1st annual Kansas Shrine Bowl game in 1974 out of Shawnee Heights High School. After high school he attended the University of Kansas where he was a team co-captain his senior year, named to the 2nd Team All-Big 8 and played in the East/West Shrine Bowl Game. Tom was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 5th round where he played out a 7 year NFL career.
MATT WALLERSTEDT
Coach Wallerstedt played in the 1984 Kansas Shrine Bowl game out of Manhattan High School. He then attended Kansas State University and in 1987 was named the team captain, MVP, All-Big 8 LB, and an Honorable Mention All-American. Since then he has coached for over 20 years at many institutions including Kansas State, Arizona State, Fort Hays State, Emporia State, Wyoming, North Alabama, Akron, and at the Air Force Academy.
CLASS OF 2013
CARL HALL
Hall, coming out of Campus High in Wichita as a Quarterback, played for the West Squad in the 1989 Kansas Shrine Bowl Game played in Wichita, KS. After high school Hall decided on a baseball career where he experienced much success. In 1994, Hall was an All-American Outfielder, Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year and was recently inducted into the Shocker Sports Hall of Fame. He was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 1994 Major League Draft.
ROGER BARTA
Coach Barta, widely known as the best high school coach that the state of Kansas has ever seen, has been a coach for the Kansas Shrine Bowl West Squad four different times. He was an assistant coach in 1980, 1987, and 1998 with his one head coaching experience being in 1988. As the head football coach of Smith Center he has accumulated an incredible record of 323 - 68 and has won 8 state championships.
SHAD MEIER
Meier played as a tight end in the 1996 Kansas Shrine Bowl for the East Squad coming out of Pittsburg High School. After the Shrine Bowl game, Meier went on to be a two-year starter for coach Bill Snyder at Kansas State University and was drafted in the 3rd round by the Tennessee Titans in 2001. After playing for the Titans for four years he signed a contract with the New Orleans Saints and retired from the NFL in 2006.
MARK SIMONEAU
Out of Smith Center, Simoneau played in the 1995 Kansas Shrine Bowl Game for the West Squad. After the game, Simoneau attended Kansas State University. Among his most prestigious honors there, he was named the Big 12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year, First Team Freshman All-American, First Team All-American, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and a Finalist for the Butkus Award. In 2000, Simoneau was drafted in the 3rd round by the Atlanta Falcons and played 10 years in the NFL with the Falcons, Eagles, Saints and Chiefs. He was a member of the 2009 New Orleans Saints World Champion Team. He is a member of K-State’s Ring of Honor, Kansas Sports Hall of Fame and was most recently inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
CLASS OF 2014
DAVID MIZE
David Mize became the Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl in 1981 and oversaw the continual growth of the organization until his retirement in December of 2012. After 31 years Mize says his most memorable moment is being able to witness the many times that players and or coaches really connected with a patient of Shriners Hospitals for Children. Prior to working for the Kansas Shrine Bowl Mize served four years in the US Army. Now Mize is retired and is employed by his wife Janette, and enjoys time with his two sons, David Eric and Adam as well as his daughter in law Libby and two grandsons Jordan and Aidan.
ZACK SIEGRIST
Played in the 1994 Kansas Shrine Bowl out of Andover High School. Zack then played at Pittsburg State where he was quarterback-making four playoff appearances. He went 23-7 as a quarterback at Pitt. Siegrist earned the Ronald Moore Award, All-MIAA honors, and Pre-Season All-American honors in 97&98 and held a national record for 189 regular season pass attempts without an interception. He played two years of Arena football after college.
STAN WEBER
Played in and was MVP the 1980 Kansas Shrine Bowl from Goddard. Played collegiately at KSU where he was a captain and academic All-American selection his senior year. He is the current color analyst for the K-State Radio Network. He has also continued to stay involved with the Kansas Shrine Bowl providing color for the radio & TV broadcast for the last 30 years. Weber is married to Nancy and they have four children: Brittani, Stanton, McKenzi and Landry.
LUCAS YARNELL
After playing in the 1992 Kansas Shrine Bowl, Yarnell played at Coffeyville Community College, followed by University of Southwestern Louisiana-where he was 1st team All Big West. He played 10 years in the Arena football league, winning the Arena Bowl Championship in 2001 with the Grand Rapids Rampage. He also played a prisoner in the 2005 remake of The Longest Yard, starring Adam Sandler, Chris Rock and Burt Reynolds. In 2001 he began coaching in Kansas with stops at Olathe South, Olathe East, Leavenworth, and in 2012 accepted a teaching and coaching position at his alma mater, Washburn Rural.
CLASS OF 2015
GENE DAYTON
He played in the 12th Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl game in 1985 for the East squad, representing Colgan High School. His most memorable moment from the game was being named MVP and setting the rushing record. It was one of the most fun games he ever played in, and the hospital trip was something he will never forget. Dayton said it made him thankful for what you really have and really puts a new and better meaning on the game. After the Shrine Bowl, Gene played 2 seasons at Coffeyville Community College, and was voted All American team his senior year. He then went to Arkansas State University graduating with a business degree. Currently Gene is part owner of Pittcraft Printing Inc. in Pittsburg and has been with them since 1991.
MIKE COOK
Mike Cook was on the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors for the Kansas Shrine Bowl from 1997 through 2009, and was board president in 2005. Mike was also a Kansas Shrine Bowl coordinator for Mirza in 2010. The reason Mike became involved in the Shrine was his wife Sally went to a meeting and heard about the shrine and hospital dads. She came home and said that he needed to be a Shriner, not long after Mike became a Shriner and a hospital dad. One of the most memorable moments Mike has from the Shrine Bowl was flying to St. Louis with the players and seeing them interact with the patients and getting to see the hospital, watching life changing moments happen in front of his eyes. He saw players come away with different feelings about the Shrine and why we are having the Shrine Bowl game in the first place.
RAY TERRELL
Ray Terrell Served on the Board of Directors for the Kansas Shrine Bowl for twelve years from November 1999 through November 2011, and was president of the board in 2008. After volunteering for the game in Emporia in 1998 he was asked to be camp director the following year. Ray served as camp director from 1999 through the game in 2011. Ray became a Shriner because of the work that they do to help the kids at the Shriners Hospital for Children. One of Ray’s many favorite memories is meeting all of the coaches and players, and never forgetting all of the people involved especially Craig Crespino who gave his life to helping kids. The Shrine has been a big part of his life and is honored to be a Mason and a Shriner and to call you brother.
CLASS OF 2016
B.J. HARRIS
A 2000 East Player, Harris went on to play at Pittsburg State before leaving the field to continue his broadcasting career. Harris also served as the the color analyst for Pittsburg State Football radio broadcasts. Harris reconnected with the Kansas Shrine Bowl when he went to work as the Executive Director the Crawford County Convention & Visitors Bureau in Pittsburg. While there Harris volunteered annually and twice successfully bid to host the game in Pittsburg. His connection to the game increased even more when Harris was selected to serve as the Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl in the fall of 2017, a position he held through 2023.
CLASS OF 2023
BARRY SANDERS
A Wichita native, Sanders played under Coach Dale Burkholder at Wichita North High School. Sanders played in the 1986 Kansas Shrine Bowl. As a senior at Wichita North, Sanders amassed over 1,400 yards and 17 touchdowns in just seven games played, averaging more than 10 yards per carry that season. Sanders went on to play at Oklahoma State, where he had one of the greatest single seasons in college football history in 1988. That season Sanders set 36 NCAA records while rushing for 2,628 yards and 39 touchdowns in only 11 games. That season's performance earned Sanders the 1988 Heisman Trophy. Sanders was selected 3rd overall by the Detroit Lions in the 1988 NFL Draft. In 10 seasons, Sanders became an NFL legend and still holds several league records. Barry was inducted to both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004. In 2020, Sanders was named to the NFL All-Time Team as one its "Greatest 100 Players" and is #9 on College Football's "150 Greatest Players" list.
LARRY GARMAN
A southeast Kansas coaching legend, Garman coached in the Kansas Shrine Bowl five times, including twice as the Head Coach in 1984 and 1996. Coach Garman was the Head Coach at Pittsburg High School for 34 seasons, where he led the Purple Dragons to three class 5A state titles. His career record was 255-84-5 with 21 playoff appearances and 31 winning seasons, both state records. Garman went on to coach at Pittsburg State University for 24 seasons following his illustrious High School coaching career. He was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 and PSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012.
DALE BURKHOLDER
Coach Burkholder coached in the 1993 (assistant) and 1994 (head coach) Kansas Shrine Bowl Games. Coach Burkholder led five different programs to the Kansas State High School Playoffs, as well as the offensive line coach for the undefeated #1 ranked offense in the country at Coffeyville Community College in 1980. Throughout his career, Coach Burkholder coached six young men that went on to play in the NFL. including a pair of Heisman Trophy winners, Mike Rozier and Barry Sanders.
CLASS OF 2025
CJ HAMILTON – Coach, Silver Lake H.S. (1977, 1985, 1986*, 2003, 2004*) *Head Coach
- Coached in five Kansas Shrine Bowl games, including twice as East Head Coach, the five coaching appearances is tied for the 3rd most all-time in the Kansas Shrine Bowl
- Began his coaching career at his alma mater, Silver Lake H.S., in 1973
- Coached at Washburn University from 1977-1978, before returning to Silver Lake H.S. in 1979
- The all-time winningest high school football coach in Kansas history, with a career record of 447-98 (.820)
- In 47 years, he led Silver Lake to 40 state playoff appearances, 39 Mid-East League championships, eight state championships, and a state record 18 state championship game appearances
- From 2002-2008, led Silver Lake to seven consecutive state championship game appearances
- Member of the Topeka Shawnee County Sports Hall of Fame, the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame, the Kansas Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and a 2025 inductee of the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame
- Also led Silver Lake H.S. to baseball state championships in 1975, 1977, and 1982 as the head coach
KENT SEDLACEK – East All-Star, Hanover H.S. (1979)
- 1979 Kansas Shrine Bowl East All-Star from Hanover H.S.
- Played for Kansas State University (1979-1982)
- Member of the 1982 Independence Bowl team, the first bowl game appearance in KSU history
- Returned to his alma mater with the Kansas State University Foundation in 1989
- As a specialist in charitable estate planning, he has been involved in securing over $400 Million in charitable contributions for KSU for over 35 years
- Credits his experience playing in the Kansas Shrine Bowl, as an important moment in his desire to help children and make an impact with scholarships, buildings, athletics, arts, faculty and research to continue helping Kansans and mankind
- Has coached over 30 teams in many sports as a volunteer during his time in Manhattan
COLLIN SEXTON – West All-Star, Abilene H.S. (2012)
- 2012 Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star from Abilene H.S.
- Caught a 54-yard touchdown pass to lead the West to a 14-7 victory in the 2012 Kansas Shrine Bowl
- Served as a public relations intern for the Kansas Shrine Bowl in the summer of 2015
- Played football at Kansas State University where he was a two-time Academic All-Big 12 recipient and a member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll four times
- Joined the Kansas Athletics department in August 2021 and currently serves as the Deputy Athletics Director-Chief Strategy Officer, as well as the sport administrator for the Kansas Football program
- Has played a significant role in the first-of-its-kind Deloitte partnership efforts for Kansas Athletics, the $450M Gateway District Project at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, and the renovated and expanded Anderson Family Football Complex
- Led the process and creation of Kansas Athletics Strategic plan, ‘To the Stars’, published in 2022
- Prior to coming to the University of Kansas, was the assistant athletics director for leadership giving at Northwestern and the director of football operations/chief of staff at Bowling Green State University
- Contributed to a record-breaking fundraising campaign of over $460M to Northwestern athletics
- Serves as a board member for the Wichita Sports Commission, representing Kansas Athletics
DANE SIMONEAU – West All-Star, Salina Sacred Heart H.S. (2007)
- 2007 Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star from Salina Sacred Heart H.S.
- Ranked 2nd in Kansas High School history with 8,020 passing yards, while passing for 71 touchdowns in his high school career
- Started 42 of 43 career games at Washburn University (2007-11), while setting 35 Ichabod career, season and single-game records, including the top three passing season in school history
- A five-time consensus All-American who finished 2nd in the voting for the Harlon Hill Award (Division 2 Heisman) his senior season
- Named the MIAA Offensive Player of the Year and Regional Player of the Year as a senior
- Finished collegiate career 12th in NCAA Division II history with 11,291 yards passing and 15th on the all-time charts with 102 passing touchdowns
- Was also a four-year starter on the Washburn baseball team where he finished his career first in all-time doubles, fourth in at bats, sixth in RBI, and 10th in hits earning all-MIAA honors as a senior at shortstop
- Played professionally for the Salina Bombers of the Champions Professional Indoor Football League (2012-13), where he was named the CPIFL Offensive MVP in 2013
- Currently in his fifth full-time season on the Washburn University coaching staff, moving into the role of Offensive Coordinator in the 2025 season
- Spent four seasons at Northeastern State, with the final three as the Offensive Coordinator
CLASS OF 2026
GARY DAVIS – Official, (2004-2024)
- Officiated in 19 Kansas Shrine Bowl games, the most all-time for any official
- Volunteered as the Coordinator of Officials for the Kansas Shrine Bowl from 2018-2024
- Graduated from Chetopa H.S. in 1975 and Pittsburg State University in 1979
- Began his teaching/coaching career in Oswego H.S. in 1979
- Named the 1994 Kansas 1A-3A Baseball Coach of the Year & Joplin Globe Area Baseball Coach of the Year
- Began his officiating career in 1992
- Officiating career includes 13 Kansas High School State Softball Tournaments and two 4A Kansas High School State Football Championships
- Named the 2018 NFHS Football Official of the Year
- Inducted into the Chetopa H.S. Hall of Fame in 2022
PHIL MILLER – West All-Star, Kapaun Mt. Carmel H.S. (1974)
- Played in the first Kansas Shrine Bowl in 1974 as a West All-Star from Kapaun Mt. Carmel H.S.
- Held the Kansas Shrine Bowl single game records for passes completed (17), passing yards (256), and passing touchdowns (2) for 50 years from 1974 until 2024 when all three records were finally broken
- In 2024, he established the Paul & Lucy Miller Outstanding Impact Award, to honor his parents, which provides an annual scholarship to each of the top overall fundraisers on the Kansas Shrine Bowl East and West teams
- Following his Senior season at Kapaun Mt. Carmel was named 3A first-team all-state and first-team All-City Wichita
- Played at Garden City Community College (1974-75), where he was a two-time All-Jayhawk Conference Quarterback and Honorable Mention All-America
- Led Southeast Missouri State to the 1978 MIAA Championship
- Established a successful entrepreneurial career in Texas and Ohio where he leads over 225 employees
WARREN SEITZ – East All-Star, Topeka West H.S. (1981), KSB Coach, Topeka West (1999), Nemaha Central (2017, 2018*) *Head Coach
- Played in the 1981 Kansas Shrine Bowl as an East All-Star from Topeka West H.S.
- Coached three times in the Kansas Shrine Bowl, as an assistant coach in 1999 from Topeka West H.S., as an assistant coach in 2017 from Nemaha Central H.S. and as the winning Head Coach of the 2018 East team from Nemaha Central
- Coached 17 players who were selected for the Kansas Shrine Bowl
- Continues to be a regular Kansas Shrine Bowl advocate through financial support, as a keynote speaker at Arab Shrine Center, and Kansas Shrine Bowl East camp guest speaker.
- Three-year letterwinner at the University of Missouri
- Played in the 1985 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama
- Drafted in the 10th round of the 1986 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers as a Tight End
- Played for legendary NFL coaches Chuck Noll (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Bill Parcells (New York Giants)
- Played in the Canadian Football League for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- Began his teaching/coaching career at Highland Park H.S. in Topeka before becoming an assistant coach at Topeka West H.S., where he was later named Head Coach in 1993
- Head Coach at Topeka West H.S. for 15 seasons, including a State Championship appearance in 2002
- Spent three years at Moberly H.S. in Missouri before returning to Kansas as the Athletic Director/Head Football Coach at Nemaha Central H.S.
- Led Nemaha Central H.S. to their first ever football state championship in 2019, as well as two state semifinals (2016, 2020)
- Named the 2019 Kansas 2A Coach of the Year, All-Class Coach of the Year and Region 5 Coach of the Year
- Compiled an overall record of 84-24 in his 10 seasons at Nemaha Central H.S. before finishing his coaching career at Versailles H.S. in Missouri from 2021-2024
- Inducted into the Topeka West H.S. Hall of Fame and the Shawnee County Hall of Fame
TRAVIS STEPPS – East All-Star, Fort Scott H.S. (1997)
- Played in the 1997 Kansas Shrine Bowl as an East All-Star from Fort Scott H.S.
- Led Fort Scott H.S. to an undefeated, 13-0, 1996 4A State Championship; the first football state championship in Fort Scott school history
- Named 4A All-State and All-Class Super 11 after rushing for 1,500 yards and 14 touchdowns in 1996
- A two-time All-America defensive back at Pittsburg State University
- A four-time All-MIAA selection at Pittsburg State University, including first-team honors his final two seasons
- Posted seven career interceptions and ranked second all-time at Pittsburg State University with 28 career pass breakups
- Averaged 28.2 yards per kickoff return and 9.9 yards per punt return for his career
- Began his coaching career in 2002 as a graduate assistant at Washburn University before becoming an assistant coach at Southern Illinois University from 2004-2015
- Currently in his 10th season as an assistant coach at the University of North Dakota
- Involved off the field with the Turtle Mountain Animal Shelter, UND Champions Club and Hope Church Grand Forks