SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
DODGE CITY, Kan. — The 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl, an annual East vs. West high school football all-star game that showcases the state’s top senior talent, will kick off Saturday at 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium in Dodge City. The game returns to Dodge City for the first time since 2019, bringing with it a full week of events that support the mission of Shriners Children’s.
More than just a football game, the Kansas Shrine Bowl represents a statewide philanthropic effort. Since its inception in 1974, the Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. has raised nearly $4 million for Shriners Children’s, a world-renowned nonprofit healthcare system specializing in pediatric specialty care regardless of a family’s ability to pay.
Shriners Children's is headquartered in Tampa, Florida, with its closest hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, which specializes in orthopaedics.
The West squad includes several local standouts: Terrell King (Hutchinson), Owen Schmidt (Pratt), Henry Hecox (Moundridge), Landon Harp and Cooper Marx (Andale), Catch Delaney (McPherson), Karter Gonzalez (Hesston), Connor Herman (Halstead), and Bodey Redenbaugh (Buhler). Hutchinson’s Mike Vernon and Hesston’s Tyson Bauerle will serve as assistant coaches for the West. The West team is currently holding its camp at Hutchinson Community College.
Fans can listen to the broadcast on a statewide Eagle Media network, including the flagship station, Country 102.9-FM KHUT in Hutchinson, as well as affiliate stations in Great Bend (KVGB-FM), Hays (KKQY-FM), Salina (KINA-AM/FM), Junction City (KJCK-AM/FM), Manhattan (KQLA), plus out-of-network stations in Coffeyville (KGGF) and Beloit (KVSV-AM/FM).
Forming The Rosters
Each year, more than 400 seniors from all classifications, from six-man to Class 6A, are nominated by their coaches. From there, a selection committee comprised of media members and Shrine Bowl coaches narrows the field to 88 players, 44 on each side.
“It’s a tough roster to make,” said Brice Kesler, executive director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “Once they’re nominated, media across the state vote, and our coaches from each classification help select two players each. It’s all structured to ensure statewide representation, both geographically and across school sizes.”
Strict rules are in place, as no more than two players from the same school, and no more than three schools represented twice. If a selected player declines, alternates from the nomination pool are brought in, often relaxing the original restrictions.
“We aim to spread the opportunity around,” Kesler said. “It’s about giving communities across Kansas a chance to celebrate their student-athletes while also contributing to a greater cause.”
Life-Changing Perspective
Among the most meaningful events of Shrine Bowl week is the Hospital Experience, a series of sessions where players, cheerleaders, and band members meet Shriners Children’s patient ambassadors.
“This is the heart of the week,” Kesler said. “These ambassadors, from toddlers to young adults, share their journeys with our athletes. Many have overcome challenges from scoliosis to amputations and burns. They help participants understand what resilience truly looks like.”
The goal, Kesler said, is more than awareness.
“They show our athletes that a so-called disability can be turned into a superpower,” he said. “You can’t walk away from that unchanged.”
Game Week Festivities
- Hospital Experience: Held Thursday and Friday for football players, band members and cheerleaders.
- Friday Night Charity Carnival: Featuring food trucks, carnival games, casino events and autograph sessions with players at the Dodge City Civic Center.
- Saturday Morning Parade: The largest Shrine parade in Kansas, showcasing bands, floats and Shriners from across the state.
- Fan Fest: A free event in the Memorial Stadium parking lot Saturday afternoon, sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas.
The Kansas Shrine Bowl also hosts the Kansas Masonic All-State Marching Band Camp and All-Star Cheer Camp, giving nearly 400 students the chance to participate in the weekend's festivities.
More Than a Game
Since its inception, the Shrine Bowl has been played in nearly every corner of Kansas, from Lawrence to Hays and Pittsburg to Hutchinson. As of 2024, the West leads the series 31-18-2.
But the scoreboard is only a small part of the story.
“We want to involve as many communities as possible,” Kesler said. “That increases fundraising reach and also builds awareness. Families might not know that Shriners Children’s exists or that help is available. We want them to know.”
Corporate sponsors and donors will be recognized at halftime, as will community partners who help make the game a reality each year.
“There’s so many people involved behind the scenes,” Kesler said. “Whether it’s financial support, volunteer hours, or helping spread the word, it all makes a difference.”
Kickoff for the 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday in Dodge City.
You can find more information regarding the 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl by clicking here.