by Shriner » Mon May 08, 2006 6:31 pm
The issue of allowing more kids to participate was addressed several years ago when the Shrine Bowl added the 9 man game, which essentially gives 50 more kids and 8 more coaches an opportunity to be involved. Adding three kids to each team will make roster sizes 28 (9 man) and 38 (11 man), still a reasonable size when you consider that the kids will play only one way. The Kem and El Zagal temples are unique in that their territories cross state lines, and western North Dakota has dwindling numbers of Shriners, thus less involvement in the Shrine Bowl. The bottom line, and significant difference of the Shrine Bowl vs other "all star" events, is the support to Shrine Hospitals, which give free care to burned and crippled children. Involvement by Shriners, players, and coaches serves to spread the Shrine message and support the cause.
"Strong legs run that weak legs may walk".