Senior Loden West, Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School football team member, was selected for the 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl and will play in the East vs. West All-Star Game June 29 at Welch Stadium at Emporia State University, Emporia.

“The Shrine Bowl is a great honor,” EJSHS Head Football Coach Josh Homolka said. “You are selected because you are truly one of the top players in Kansas.

“Loden got better and better every year. He had goals to be a top player in the state. Every season he was able to improve his game. I think he really was one who helped set the tone with his work last summer. That set the table for our season and his play personally.”

West was selected from a competitive list of 457 nominees.

“It has always been a huge dream of mine to play in that game and become a part of a select group of people,” West said.

West said he wants to thank God. He said he also considers his biggest supporters to be his parents, who taught him to work hard and never hold back.

“I wouldn’t be half the person I am today without my mom and dad,” West said.

During the Shrine Bowl, players are able to meet Patient Ambassadors from Shriners Children’s Hospitals, which the game raises funds for.

“What will really be an eye-opener, not just for Loden, but all the players involved, is when they get the Shriner Hospital experience,” Homolka said. “This really drives home why they have the game. The players will meet children who this game is meant to benefit. It will be an emotional and great experience for all involved.”

This impactful game will be one of many successes on West’s football journey. He plans on playing college football, but is currently undecided where he will play.