News Summary

This weekend, Bloomington is set to host the 51st Annual Illinois High School Shrine Game at Tucci Stadium, featuring nearly 100 top graduated players. The event, organized by the Illinois Football Coaches Association, will raise funds for Shriners Hospitals for Children, showcasing remarkable talent and an inspiring cause. With tickets available for $10 and a free livestream option, fans can enjoy this exciting all-star matchup while supporting a meaningful charity.

Bloomington Gears Up for the 51st Annual Illinois High School Shrine Game

This weekend, Bloomington is buzzing with excitement as it plays host to the 51st Annual Illinois High School Shrine Game. Mark your calendars for Saturday, because kickoff is set for 11 a.m. at the beautiful Tucci Stadium on the campus of Illinois Wesleyan University, located at 400 Titan Drive, Bloomington.

A Showcase of Talent

The Shrine Game is an all-star football game featuring nearly 100 top graduated players from the Class of 2025 across Illinois. This exciting event is organized by the Illinois Football Coaches Association and is supported by the Peoria chapter of Shriners International, among other chapters throughout the state. The best part? Proceeds from this thrilling matchup go directly to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Chicago and St. Louis, making it a fun occasion for a great cause.

Get Your Tickets!

Tickets for this star-studded game are priced at just $10. You can grab yours online or right at the gate on game day. And if you can’t make it in person, don’t worry! The game will be streamed live for free on watchmc.22, thanks to MediaCom, so you can cheer on your favorite players from the comfort of your own home.

Team Lineup

The all-star teams have been divided into a Red team and a Blue team, with each squad boasting around 50 players. Coaches nominated these talented athletes, and the final picks were made by the Illinois Football Coaches Association back in December. Curious about who is playing? Full rosters for the Shrine game can be found at ilshrinegame.com.

Star Players to Watch

Among the players to keep an eye on is Lane Wheelwright, the Farmington quarterback, who has earned the title of Journal Star Player of the Year and is proudly representing the Blue team. Other notable players on the Blue roster from the metro area include Avery Grebner (Metamora), Amare Breedlove (Manual), Hudson Nutter (Pekin), and Sean Glover (Richwoods). The Red roster also features talented athletes like Caden Mowen (Farmington) and Tory Kupferschmid (Eureka).

Shining Light on a Worthy Cause

Since 2016, the game has included the annual Darth Winkler Service Award, honoring the memory of the first Shriner to participate in this prestigious all-star game. Named after Darth Winkler, a former football and track star from Lewistown, who tragically passed away in a car accident, this award is designed to recognize outstanding service and commitment to the cause.

A Powerful Weekend Experience

The Shrine Game weekend kicked off with an inspiring “Hospital Experience” at the Illinois Wesleyan University’s Shirk Center, where 91 high school athletes joined six patient ambassadors. This engaging event not only raised awareness for the mission of Shriners Hospitals but also allowed participants to experience physical challenges that mimic living with impairments. Among those participating was former Shriners patient Jayden McDonald, who shared his inspiring story of overcoming a significant injury with the support of Shriners Hospitals.

Making a Difference

Shriners Hospitals treat more than one million children each year, providing necessary medical care regardless of insurance status. The Shrine Game is more than mere entertainment; it typically raises between $20,000 and $30,000 annually for these vital hospitals. Additionally, it’s worth noting that outside donations account for 40% of the hospitals’ income, showcasing the community’s commitment to this noble cause.

Jayden McDonald’s journey, including his comeback from a femur injury and earning a college football scholarship, serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder to everyone involved in this endeavor — resilience and determination can lead to incredible outcomes. As we approach the kickoff, let’s celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and the heartwarming impact on children in need!

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