Shrine Bowl All-Star Football game to be played in southeast Kansas next year

The Fort Scott Tribune

During a press conference at Carnie Smith Stadium Wednesday, Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Football Game Executive Director Dave Mize announced Pittsburg State University as the hosting facility of the 2010 Shrine Bowl. The city of Pittsburg and the Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau will host next year's event.

This will mark the third time in its 37 year history the Shrine Bowl will be played in Pittsburg with Carnie Smith Stadium hosting the event in 2002 and 2006.

"It has been the goal of the Crawford County CVB to secure the 2010 Kansas Shrine Bowl since the conclusion of the 2006 game," said Crawford County CVB Director Craig Hull. "As the premier football event in Kansas, it is an honor for Crawford County to host an of such magnitude."

Mize referred to the community's support and cooperation in making the decision to hold the game in Pittsburg.

"There is no doubt that the Pittsburg community and businesses get behind football," said Mize. "The cooperation and support from the university, the city, the local shriners, the citizens and the business community is difficult to match anywhere else in Kansas."

The Kansas Shrine Bowl is he premier high school all-star event for graduated high school players in Kansas. Several past Kansas Shrine Bowl participants have gone on to compete with NCAA Division I and II programs. Many others are currently active on NFL rosters.

The Kansas Shrine Bowl and supporting events serve as a major fundraiser for Shriners Hospitals for the Children with all proceeds from the event benefiting Shriners Hospitals. Other events held in conjunction with the Kansas Shrine Bowl include arts and craft shows, 5k and one mile fun run featuring 60 all-star cross country runners from across the state, a Kansas Masonic All-State Marching Band Camp and performances, a Kids Fair, a High School Football Combine and Clinic and the Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Cheer Clinic.