Topeka’s top athletes compete in Kansas Shrine Bowl showdown

OTTAWA (KSNT) – The 52nd annual Kansas Shrine Bowl kicks off on Saturday in Dodge City, and the Topeka area is well-represented on both Team East and Team West.

Team East is practicing at Ottawa University to prepare for this weekend’s matchup and is hoping to put on a show for all those in attendance.

“The expectation’s always to come out on top and come out with the win, and play hard, play with all my effort,” Seaman senior wide receiver Bryer Finley said.

“I hope to come out there, compete to the best we can, get our game plan, do it how we put it together, and go and win,” Max Huston, Seaman senior quarterback and Coffeyville Community College commit, said.

“Just an East win, that’s all I care about,” Kaden Jordan, Seaman senior defensive lineman and Hutchinson Community College commit, said.

Seaman high school has three seniors playing in this weekend’s game. Head coach Jared Swafford, who’s serving as the East’s 5A representative and defensive coordinator, is also part of the squad.

Swafford couldn’t be happier to coach some of his Vikings one more time.

“It’s unbelievable, and very exciting for our program, for them, our community, their families,” Swafford said. “The opportunity to come out here and get to coach these guys one more time, you know, when you thought it was all done, is amazing. It’s a blessing,” Swafford said.

While players and coaches from Team East are hoping for a win this weekend, they know the Shrine Bowl is about more than a football game.

Proceeds from the game and other activities throughout the weekend go toward benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children, supporting children all across the state of Kansas. Games have been played all across the state each summer since the mid-1970s. 

“Obviously a win’s nice but, at the end of the day it’s for the kids, it’s for the Shriners,” Washburn Rural offensive lineman and Emporia State commit Caden Estrada said.

“It’s about kids, you know, who are less fortunate than the rest and, you know, couldn’t necessarily be where we are and, you know, we’re out here playing for them, you know, raising money for them, so they can hopefully get their treatment and get better,” Jordan said.

The big game starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Dodge City.