Friday, July 18, 2025
Beloit High School 2025 graduate, Eli Johnson ended his football career on June 21, 2025, after being named as one of the 88 players who received invitations to play in the 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Memorial Stadium in Dodge City, Kansas.
As this ends his football career, he will continue his athletic abilities in track and field after signing with the Wichita State University (WSU), team as a Shocker.
Johnson was chosen to play for the Shrine Bowl West Roster as #60. These players are chosen as All-Stars.
“One of my favorite parts of the entire Shrine Bowl experience was getting to know the other players from all over the state,” said Johnson. “Many of these guys were players I’ve competed against for years, and to have them on my team for once was really special. It was amazing how quickly we bonded throughout the week—sharing meals, grinding through tough practices, and learning to work together as one unit. That kind of connection doesn’t happen every day, and I will always be thankful for it.”
The initial invitations are the result of a selection process combining statewide media votes and Kansas Shrine Bowl coaching staff selections from a list of 447 nominees. In addition to filling position specific needs on the roster, the selection process includes additional criteria regarding geographic restrictions, classification size, and limits on the number of players that may be selected per school.
“I feel incredibly honored and excited to be named to the Kansas Shrine Bowl roster for the West side,” said Johnson. It was a huge privilege to represent my school, my teammates, and my community in such a meaningful game.”
In addition to playing in the annual East vs. West all-star football game, Kansas Shrine Bowl participants receive the opportunity to meet and interact with the Patient Ambassadors from Shriners Children’s during the Hospital Experience event during game week. For many, the hospital experience is the highlight of their time at the Kansas Shrine Bowl and showcases the true purpose of the Kansas Shrine Bowl.
“The Shrine Bowl is about more than just football—it’s about supporting kids and families through the work of Shriners Hospitals, and I’m so proud to be part of something that makes a difference beyond the field,” Johnson said. “I’m grateful for the coaches, teammates, and supporters who helped me get there.”
Meeting the children was an unforgettable experience for Johnson.
“I had the chance to meet Colton Metzler, a junior from Ellis High School who’s the same age as me. He’s a three-sport athlete and has been a Shriners patient since birth. After losing his left leg as a toddler, the Shriners Hospital fitted him with a prosthetic, allowing him to live a full and active life. His dream is to be the first Shriners patient to play in the Shrine Bowl. He and his family have spent years volunteering with the West squad as a way to give back. Their dedication and spirit were truly inspiring to me and our entire team.”
To make it even more memorable, the West side All-Stars won the 2025 Kansas Shrine Bowl against the East with a final score of 26-8, and Johnson said playing in the Shrine Bowl was an incredible experience from start to finish.
“The entire week leading up to the game was intense—we had three full-contact practices a day to get ready for such a high-level and fast-paced game. Even though the practices were tough, it really brought our team together and helped us prepare quickly.”
As for the heat, it honestly wasn’t as bad as I expected because the wind was so strong throughout the week, which helped make it more bearable. The trainers were awesome and made sure we were constantly staying hydrated, not just during the game but all week long. That made a huge difference. Plus, since both teams had large rosters, we were able to rotate in and out pretty frequently, which helped everyone stay fresh and safe. It was a challenge, for sure, but one I’ll never forget.”
The Shrine Bowl of Kansas Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s Hospital. Since 1974, nearly $4 million has been sent to Shriners Children’s thanks to the supporters of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. Shriners Children’s is a world-renowned healthcare system with hospitals, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care centers and outreach locations across the globe. Shriners Children’s is dedicated to improving the lives of children every day by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay.
“It felt really special to be part of something bigger than just a football game. Knowing that the Shrine Bowl helps raise over $100,000 and awareness for Shriners Hospitals made the experience even more meaningful. It was an honor to play in a game that supports kids and families who rely on the care and services the hospital provides,” said Johnson.
“Being able to represent my community and help give back through football was a powerful feeling. Seeing firsthand how the hospital has changed lives, like Colton Metzler’s, made me proud to be involved. It reminded me that football can make a real difference off the field, and I’m grateful I got to be a part of that impact.”
The 2025 Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association (KWCA) Kansas Shrine Duals, an event produced by the Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc., also raised $25,000 for Shriners Children's.
A $150,000 donation was announced by the Kansas Shrine Bowl, generated from the success of the 2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl and the inaugural KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals.
Since 1974, the Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. has donated nearly $4.0 million to Shriners Children’s.
In addition to the financial contribution, the events were able to provide camps and programming for over 500 student-athletes and musicians from across Kansas. These camps allow students to learn first-hand the impact their participation has on the lives of the many children served by Shriners Children’s.
The 2025 KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals featured 57 of the top senior wrestlers across the state, competing together for one great cause, to benefit Shriners Children’s. Team West came away victorious on the mat, with a 113-36 team dual win. Together, the 57 wrestlers, coaches, family, friends and supporters teamed up to help raise $25,000 to benefit Shriners Children’s. On the mat, Team West won 23 of the 30 matches at Fugate Gymnasium on the campus of Newman University in Wichita, Kansas.
As Johnson received numerous memories throughout his time as a Shriners All-Star, he will carry with him a more meaningful appreciation for the Shriner’s program.
“I will definitely feel differently when I see the Shriners in the Beloit parades from now on,” said Johnson. “Before, I knew they were involved in helping others, but now I’ve seen firsthand the impact they have through the Shrine Bowl and the hospital. Meeting patients like Colton and hearing their stories really opened my eyes to how much the Shriners do for kids and families in need. I have a much deeper appreciation for their dedication and generosity. They’re not just riding in the parade for fun—they’re representing a mission that changes lives. Every time I see them now, I’ll be reminded of the incredible work they do and how honored I was to be part of it.”
“A really fun and meaningful tradition was getting to decorate each other’s helmets with our school mascots' decals,” Johnson said. “That helmet is now one of the most memorable things I’ll carry with me from this experience.”
To show your support for these players and the children and families that benefit from the efforts of the Kansas Shrine Bowl, please visit www.KansasShrineBowl.com/Support
