Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Ben Egli of Fort Dodge makes a tackle against Waterloo East last season inside Dodger Stadium.

CEDAR FALLS — The Shrine Bowl gives graduated seniors a chance to play one final high school game, but the week of preparation and the main objective is centered around so much more than football.

A handful of Messenger area athletes have taken part in the festivities that help support and raise money for Shriners’ Children.

This is the 50th anniversary of the Shrine Bowl, a tradition that was started in 1972 which recognizes elite senior athletes and coaches from across the state of Iowa.

This will be a transition game for 2022 Southeast Valley grad Aaron Graves who suits up in a Jaguar uniform one more time before officially donning the Black and Gold of the Iowa Hawkeyes.

“It’s my last high school game, but for a lot of guys, this is their last football game period,” Graves said. “Some guys will either play different sports or not play at all.

“That really puts things in perspective (having the opportunity to compete at the next level).”

The players have been in Cedar Falls the entire week, taking part in two-a-days and other activities. On Friday, they spent time with children and had the Shriner banquet.

“This has been a great experience,” Graves said. “It’s a real honor to play in this game. The event is so impactful, and has a great reason behind the cause.

“We each raised $1,000 for the (Shriner Hospitals for Children), and the best part is we got to hang out with and spend some quality time with the kiddos. I was excited about that.”

The game is at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls on Saturday at 4 p.m. It will be televised on Mediacom’s MC22 (Ch. 22 or 822).

Fort Dodge Senior High graduate Ben Egli, who will continue his football career playing for the Northwestern Red Raiders of Orange City, is also a part of the week-long festitivies and game-day action.

“It’s really a great thing the Shriners have put together,” Egli said. “They made sure every player knew who and what this game was for. It was good to know that the money raised leading up to the game was going to the Shriners to help tons of people.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to play. I’m more than thankful I was given the opportunity to represent the Dodgers.”

Area players joining Graves and Egli on the North side will be Humboldt’s Caden Matson, Manson Northwest Webster’s Brodie Anderson, East Sac County’s Tyler Schmitt and Algona’s Tyler Manske.

“I’m extremely honored to be able to not only represent the Humboldt Community one last time, but to have the opportunity to do something that’s bigger than myself in helping raise money for the Shrine kids,” said Matson, the game’s offensive captain. “I’m looking forward to taking many lessons I learned while there with me as I continue my athletic and academic career at Iowa State (as a preferred walk-on with the Cyclones).

“These kids are so amazing. I’m very honored to be able to participate in this.”

Derrick Elman, who helped lead Humboldt to the Class 3A state semifinals, will be an assistant coach on the North side.

“Coaching in the 50th Shrine Bowl is a pretty special experience that I’ll never forget,” Elman said. “Seeing what the Shriners do for kids has shown the players and coaches that this week is about so much more than football. We have had the opportunity to interact with kids who use the Shriner Hospitals, and learn what services they have to offer.

“As far as football goes, coaching some of the best football players in the northern part of the state has been special as well. I’ve loved seeing these kids come together, practice and prepare for the week, and go out and show why they are among the best. On top of that, it’ll be great to see Caden Matson play one last time in a Humboldt uniform.”

Bradyn Smith of Greene County will suit up for the South. Greene County head coach Caden Duncan, a Prairie Valley graduate, will be an assistant coach for the South.

St. Edmond’s Aleah Anderson and Riley Nelson, along with Manson Northwest Webster’s Kierra Birkey and Courtney Christensen, will be on the cheerleading squads.

Funds raised benefit Shriners’ Children. Its mission is to provide the best pediatric care anywhere, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.