🏈 Rosters revealed for 53rd Shrine Bowl Game

EMPORIA, Kan. — Several players and coaches from the Hutch Post coverage area are among those selected to represent the West in the 53rd Kansas Shrine Bowl, set for Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University.

The Kansas Shrine Bowl announced 88 total invitees statewide, split evenly between East and West rosters. The selections were made through a process combining statewide media voting and evaluations by the Shrine Bowl coaching staffs from a pool of nearly 400 nominees.

Local representation on the West roster includes players from Hutchinson, Hesston, Hutchinson Trinity Catholic, Sterling, Buhler and Pratt.

Hutchinson linebacker Jackson Anderson earned a spot on the West team, while Hesston offensive lineman Ethan Coutre was also selected. Hutchinson Trinity Catholic is represented by Drew Dechant, a defensive back and punter. Sterling running back Zane Farney and Pratt tight end Arley Morrell round out the local player selections, with Buhler linebacker Jacob Miller also earning an invitation.

The Hutch Post area is also represented on the West coaching staff. Daniel Mears of Mulvane will serve as head coach. Sterling head coach Brent Schneider and Pratt head coach Brent Hoelting were also named to the West staff, along with Great Bend’s Erin Beck and Augusta’s Dawson Elliott.

All invited players must formally accept their invitation to be added to the official Shrine Bowl roster. If a player declines or withdraws prior to the game, a replacement will be selected by the Kansas Shrine Bowl coaching staff.

“I’d like to congratulate these young men who have earned this opportunity, through their hard work and dedication as student-athletes, to be a part of something much bigger than just a game,” said Brice Kesler, executive director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “We can’t wait to welcome these players into the Kansas Shrine Bowl family and showcase their extraordinary talents, while making a life-changing impact for the children who benefit from this annual Kansas tradition.”

In addition to the East vs. West all-star football game, players will take part in game-week events, including the Hospital Experience, where they meet Patient Ambassadors from Shriners Children’s. Organizers say the event highlights the true mission of the Kansas Shrine Bowl.

The Shrine Bowl of Kansas Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the official fundraiser for Shriners Children’s in Kansas. Net proceeds support pediatric specialty care, research and medical education provided by Shriners Children’s, with services offered regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

West and East team rosters will continue to be finalized as invitations are accepted.