Hailey
The Kansas Shrine Bowl is one of the most anticipated high school football events in the state. It is an annual all-star game that brings together top high school players and coaches from across Kansas.
More than just football, the game is a charity event that raises funds for Shriners Children’s Hospital, an organization that provides free medical care to children up to the age of 18, regardless of their family’s ability to pay.
In 2026, the Kansas Shrine Bowl will celebrate its 53rd edition, continuing its tradition of excellence on the field and generosity off it. The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Welch Stadium, located on the campus of Emporia State University.
2026 Game Overview: Date, Time, and Venue
The 53rd Kansas Shrine Bowl will take place at 7:00 PM on June 27, 2026. The venue, Welch Stadium in Emporia, Kansas, is a familiar location for the event. Historically, the East team has performed well at this stadium, winning four out of the six games played there.
How Head Coaches Are Selected Each Year
The head coaches for the Kansas Shrine Bowl are chosen from the assistant coaches who participated in the previous year’s game. The decision is made through a vote involving the previous year’s coaching staff, camp directors, and support staff. This process ensures that only experienced, respected, and dedicated coaches are given the honor of leading the teams.
Meet the East Head Coach: Mike Berg (Wellsville High School)
The East team will be led by Mike Berg, the head coach at Wellsville High School. Berg is entering his 7th season with Wellsville and his 26th overall as a head coach.
Before joining Wellsville, Berg spent 19 years as head coach at Baldwin High School from 1998 to 2016. Since taking charge at Wellsville, he has achieved a record of 47-14, including a state semifinal appearance in 2024. His overall career coaching record at Baldwin and Wellsville is 164-96.
Mike Berg’s Coaching Career: Records, Awards, and Milestones
Mike Berg started his coaching career at Baker University, his alma mater, where he was an All-American football player in his senior year. His achievements have earned him multiple honors, including:
- Induction into the Baker University Hall of Fame (2019)
- Induction into the Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2024)
- Serving as GKCFCA President (2013–2014)
Berg’s passion for the game runs in the family. His son, Chad Berg, played in the 2014 Kansas Shrine Bowl for the East team while representing Baldwin High School.
Berg expressed his excitement by saying, “It’s a privilege to be part of the Kansas Shrine Bowl and spread awareness for the Shriners’ mission of providing pediatric care to children. The help the Shriners give directly to the children is life-changing.”
Meet the West Head Coach: Daniel Myears (Mulvane High School)
The West team will be led by Daniel Myears, head coach at Mulvane High School. Myears is entering his 8th season as head coach and has been a part of Mulvane’s coaching staff for 23 years.
Daniel Myears’ Coaching Journey: Roles, Results, and Experience
During his time as head coach, Myears has achieved a record of 31-35, including a strong 7-3 season in 2024.
He began his coaching journey as an offensive assistant at Friends University before returning to his alma mater, Mulvane High School, where he served as offensive coordinator from 2011 to 2017 under longtime head coach Dave Fennewald.
Myears shared his excitement by saying, “I am truly honored and humbled to be named the Head Coach of the West squad for the 53rd Kansas Shrine Bowl. My experience as an assistant coach in 2025 was incredible, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to the Shriners Organization.”
2025 Shrine Bowl Recap: Score, Standouts, and Series Record
In the 2025 Kansas Shrine Bowl, the West team defeated the East team 26-8, extending their all-time series lead to 32-18-2. However, when the game is played in Emporia, the East team has historically performed better.
Game Details
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, June 27, 2026 |
| Time | 7:00 PM |
| Location | Welch Stadium, Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas |
| East Team Coach | Mike Berg – Wellsville High School |
| West Team Coach | Daniel Myears – Mulvane High School |
| Purpose | Fundraiser for Shriners Children’s Hospital |
Why the Shrine Bowl Matters: Charity and Community Impact
The Kansas Shrine Bowl is organized by The Shrine Bowl of Kansas Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Since its first game in 1974, the event has raised over $4 million for Shriners Children’s Hospital.
The Shriners network includes hospitals, outpatient clinics, and outreach centers worldwide. They are known for providing pediatric specialty care, conducting innovative research, and training medical professionals.
All care is provided in a family-friendly environment, and no patient is ever turned away due to their family’s ability to pay.
The 2026 Kansas Shrine Bowl will be much more than just a football game — it will be a celebration of talent, teamwork, and community spirit. With Mike Berg leading the East team and Daniel Myears guiding the West team, fans can expect an exciting contest on June 27, 2026, at Welch Stadium.
But beyond the final score, this event will continue to make a real difference for children in need through the work of Shriners Children’s Hospital. It’s a chance for fans, players, and coaches to come together for a cause that changes lives.