Friday December 18, 2009

I Always Feel Like Somebody’s Watching Me: Scouts and Journalists on the Prowl
By: Lauren Gannon
North Carolina Correspondent

Since the Shrine Bowl players are the best in North and South Carolina, college scouts watch and evaluate them to see if they are eligible to play for them.

Players say one of the most important things that scouts look for are good numbers and stats. They consider this the main factor! They look at the chances you take and the way you learn new things. Scouts want to know right off if you can be quick learners and the Shrine Bowl seems to be the perfect opportunity for that. These guys are all coming from different teams and are having to work with people they are not used to playing with and this will show how easy or hard the pressure and change is for them.

Some scouts say that they just look for potential and have their different coach’s work with the player to improve their game. Another thing scouts look at is versatility. They want to know that you can play different positions and play them well.

Not only do scouts pay attention to your football skills but they look at academics also. If the grades are not good then you most likely will not do well in college and most colleges have grading requirements for players to participate. Players must remember that they are student athletes not athletic students and school should always come first.

Based off of what the players say the scouts being here is awesome for them. Some of the guys have not committed to schools yet and the Shrine Bowl could give them the opportunity to choose the school they would like to attend. So, as the scouts are out the guys are doing their best and “going harder and faster” than they have in the past. They want to be seen and judged on their skills and athleticism.

The players were also watched by journalists who came to the practices they had. When the players were interviewed, some of the journalists asked about what they do with their free time and hobbies they have other than football. The reporters on the field have recorders and some even video cameras to catch the reaction and responses of the players. Although this made some of them nervous, for others it was not really a big deal. They knew these interviews were a once in a lifetime opportunity and they did their best to show the everyone just how awesome they were. When the players completed their interviews you could tell they were overly ecstatic and could not hold their excitement in.

For most, this Shrine Bowl game will result in what they do with the rest of their school years and careers. Saturday is the day of the big game; the scouts have been watching and the journalists have put player bios on the internet, so these boys better be “on their toes” and really show them all they got!

* * *

Coach Mike Newsome
By: Lauren Gannon
North Carolina Correspondent

Mr. Mike Newsome, North Carolina quarterbacks and receivers coach, has had a unique experience with the Shriners and their generosity.

His participation in this Shrine Bowl game has a very special meaning to Coach Newsome because the Shriners have made a great impact on his life and family. Coach Newsome’s brother was born with a birth defect and the Shriners Hospital was able to help his family out and take care of his sibling.

He said “when he looks at the history of the game, it is an honor to be a coach in this 73rd annual Shrine Bowl.” His family benefited from the money raised by the Shriners and Shrine Bowl and now he is getting a chance to give back in a great way.

Quarterback, Tyler Brosius, said, “Coach Newsome is a pretty cool guy and I am glad I get to work with him. He knows what he is doing and he knows his football stuff.” All the players enjoy having Mr. Newsome as a coach and it is amazing how much the Shrine Bowl means to him.

This game could impact someone else just as it has impacted Coach Newsome. Without the Shriners, Mr. Newsome may have never been able to help coach the North Carolina team so everyone is very thankful for the Shriners and their hospital.


 

Conrad’s Give Back
By: Elizabeth Brittingham
South Carolina Correspondent

After another long day of practice, the Shrine Bowl players headed to the Spartanburg Shrine Club for a home cooked meal.

This lovely meal featured turkey and dressing, sweet potatoes, and green beans all from Wades, a local family restaurant. Players and coaches finished off their meal with a piece of homemade pecan pie.

The Spartanburg Shrine Club fed the players free of charge thanks to the Conrad family. Susan Conrad said, “It is an honor that my family can help the Shriners because the hospital is close to my heart.” Mrs. Conrad’s brother and nephew were able to receive medical attention from the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.
The Conrad’s plan to continue feeding the players as long as the game stays in Spartanburg.

Wades also helped in feeding the Players. The food was donated at no cost which made it more affordable. When asked about the food, Dylan Thomson, said. “The food was great after a long day of practice and we all appreciated it.”
However, the food was not the only thing that made it an enjoyable evening. The Shriners went out of their way to make the players and coaches feel welcome. The Imperial Sir of North America spoke to the Players. He talked about what a great job they were doing and thanked them for their hard work.

Justin Parker said, “The food was great and everyone was very nice. We appreciated them going out of their way to feed us.”

* * *

"The Voice” Tells All
By: Elizabeth Brittingham
South Carolina Correspondent

“He is the legendary voice of the Shrine Bowl and it is an honor to be involved in the Shrine Bowl,” states Athletic Trainer Mike Guerrero. Mr. Joe Sessoms has been the voice of the Shrine Bowl since 1981.

Mr. Sessoms began his career on the Shrine Bowl radio in Charlotte, North Carolina. He started as the Color Commentator and added his sense of flair to the game. He later became the play by play commentator in 1983 until 1998. After 15 years of play by play, he became the Official Public Address Announcer for the Shrine Bowl and has also been Dorman’s Public Address Announcer for 44 seasons.

Being a part of the Shrine Bowl is an honor for Mr. Sessoms. He said, “I’ve had some of the greatest experiences working with the young people. I get the chance to see the athletes that are the greatest players in the land come together and go to the hospital never leaving the same.”

As a Shriner since 1974, Mr. Sessoms has given many years towards helping the children in need. He is a proud member of Hejaz Shrine Club located in Greenville, South Carolina.
“I enjoy announcing the Shrine Bowl games on Saturdays and being the MC for the banquets on Fridays,” says Mr. Sessoms. He also assists Mr. French Harvey, administrator, with publicity and public services. You may have seen his work when he wrote the October press release for player selection.
Players and coaches alike are proud to have Mr. Sessoms announcing the game. Logan Stewart said, “It’s an honor to have such an experienced sports enthusiast announce our game and I’m sure he’ll do a great job.”
 

Thursday December 17, 2009

The Man In Charge
By:  Lauren Gannon
North Carolina Correspondent

Mr. Connie Altman, Game Chairman, is a supportive contributor of the Shrine Bowl and very dedicated to his job.  He is the man in charge of getting everything ready for Saturday’s game and does an amazing job at keeping everyone and everything involved organized.  Mr. Altman selects people who are assigned to 20-25 committees that work under his lead and guidance in order to make sure the Shrine Bowl game runs smoothly. 

A few of these committees are: Athletic, Housing, Food, Transportation, Media, Public Relations, Country Store, and Photography.  All of these groups are needed to be sure everything is taken care of before and while the players are on the field.  These committees do everything from equipping the players and staff to clothing every person who participates in the game process. 

Mr. Altman says his biggest benefit of being a part of the Shrine Bowl is “the joy of seeing the children and the players mingling with the young patients.”  So when you wonder why the Shrine Bowl is such a fantastic event, you should think of  Mr. Connie Altman and commend him for all his efforts and hard work.  Without him the Shrine Bowl would not be the great game it is today.

* * *

Country Store Open Late
By: Lauren Gannon
North Carolina Correspondent   

Drinks, snacks, and enjoyment are what we get out of the Shrine Bowl Country Store.  Mr. Ricky Matthews runs the store and we are so thankful he does all he does to help us have the best time while we are here.  Mr. Matthews has enjoyed his 3 years of running the store and appreciates all the places that donate the snacks for us to eat. 

All the refreshments in the store are given to the Shrine Bowl at no cost to the Shriners or players.  The store is opened from 8:30-10:30 p.m. every night and they offer things like Coke products, PET milk, Little Debbie cakes, Frito Lay chips, Lance crackers, and the fabulous Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. 

The players and the coaches both love “getting their grub on” in the store and spending quality off time talking and joking with each other.  After a long day of practice all the guys like to take whole Krispy Kreme boxes filled full the top with not only doughnuts but crackers, cookies and chips.

Thursday December 17, 2009

First Baptist Spartanburg Welcomes Shrine Bowl Players
By: Elizabeth Brittingham
South Carolina Correspondent

First Baptist Spartanburg welcomed the Shrine Bowl Players once again to a night of fun and food.

Every player received all the chicken, potatoes, and baked beans they could handle. After their stomachs' were filled they had time to lay back and relax in the Hanger. This exciting room is filled with video games, ping-pong, foosball, and even a half size basketball court.

The players continued the evening in the youth sanctuary at the church. They were welcomed with a video the church had made for them titled, “A Tribute To the Shrine Bowl”. It included them playing football and captured the essence of their visit to the Shriners Hospital in Greenville. From signing autographs to giving hugs, the you could see the impact the children had made on the players first hand.

The players had a great time with songs lead by the Church’s praise team. From “Lean on Me” to other well known worship songs everyone was on their feet. “It was fun and a great experience. It made me feel closer to my team mates and we got a chance to meet more people,” said Antuawn Blue of Dillon High.

An inspiring message from the preacher had everyone focused on their future. Harnett Central’s Anthony Johnson said, “I needed that message because it was something that I’ve been thinking about for a while and it touched me.”

As you can see, the more the players experience here the more they enjoy what they are doing. Things are only as good as you make it and these boys are making the best of it!
 

* * *

Walt Disney Awards Presented with Honor
Elizabeth Brittingham
South Carolina Student Correspondent

The Walt Disney award is considered one of the most prestigious awards in sports. It is presented only to those who participate in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas High School All Star Football Game.

This award originated in 1944, when Walt Disney himself painted it in order to give it to the Athletes and Participants. Disney had a large heart for Children, especially for the ones who were crippled and needed medical attention. He recognized how much the Shrine Hospitals were doing for the Children.

The painting on the award is one of hope. It is representative of crippled children’s dreams of having a normal life. This painting can still be found in Oasis Temple in Charlotte, North Carolina. The award will be given to the Shrine Bowl Players and participants on Friday evening.

Joe Sessoms, the man announcing the award winners, says, “It is an honor to present this award to the players.” Mr. Sessoms also said, “This is an award they will always cherish. This is the type of award you will be proud to show your children.”

The players also know what an honor it is to receive this award. Major Bryant, North Carolina Player, said, “I feel proud to have received this award. It is an honor to play in this game and I’m proud that I could help the Children by doing what I love.” R.J. Canty, South Carolina player, also said, “It’s an honor to get the award for all our hard work and accomplishments throughout high school and to be able to play for the Shrine Bowl.”

This one time award, and the highest award given in the Shrine Bowl, is representative of everything the Shrine Bowl stands for.

“Many professional athletes who have been in the Shrine Bowl and they have this award in their offices where they can view it every day. Ethan Horton, All Pro NFL Player, has his hanging in front of his desk so that he can see it every day.” said Athletic Director Mr. Ron Long.
 

Tuesday December 15, 2009

Players Kick Off the Week
By: Lauren Gannon
North Carolina Correspondent     

The North and South Carolina teams held their practices on the fields at Dorman High School today. 

Scouts from different colleges were out watching the player’s every move and taking notes on what they saw from the guys.  They then interviewed a few that must have stuck out to them during Monday’s practice and asked questions about their expectations of the week and further plans after high school.  North Carolina kicker, Kasey Redfern #84 from Ragsdale High, said he was “surprised by how many people showed up to the practice.”  While Kasey talked to a scout or two he also spoke with “Coach” Robertson who told him a little of what he knew about his position.  “We talked about his nephew and the life of a kicker with their pressure situations,” stated Kasey. 

Most players said the practice was “live and great” and “they bonded as a team” even though they are from different parts of their respective states.  The players also love the coaches and say that they are “awesome and reasonable.” 

Some of the events that happened at Monday’s practice consist of stretching, learning new plays and offensive line verses defensive line drills.  The teams also played seven on seven and worked on one-on-ones in order to get a feel for how each of them work.  Most of the players are looking forward to finishing out the week’s practices and are ready to put what they learned to good use on the field during Saturday’s game.  No matter what it takes the players say they are going to fight through the rain, cold and mud to do their best and play like champions for the for the people who mean the most, the children!

* * *

Colleges Donate for Silent Auction
By: Lauren Gannon
North Carolina Correspondent

Each year the Shrine Bowl hosts a Silent Auction which takes place all week and then the winners are announced at the end of the day on Friday at the banquet. Mr. John Davidson, 14 year secretary and organizer of the Silent Auction, gave us a little background to how he receives the items to be bided on. Mr. Davidson starts by using the National Coaches Association Handbook in which he finds the numbers of the colleges Head Coaches Secretary whom he asks permission to fax a letter about the auction and where the money raised goes. Mr. Davidson also has a few personal contacts that he calls and “as a 50 year Shriner this auction and the money for the children is very dear to his heart.”

Mr. Davidson’s uncle was one of the founders of the Shriners Club back in 1937 and he is carrying on the family tradition still today. Colleges have donated autographed footballs, helmets, and attire to be auctioned off and some of the items bids are already up to $500.00. Last year the money raised exceeded over $4,000.00 and all the proceeds go to the Shriners Hospital.

The items that are up for bid are:
1. Georgia Tech Football autographed by Paul Johnson
2. Presbyterian College Hat and Golf Shirt
3. Presbyterian College Duffle Bag and 3 T-shirts (sizes S & Two XXL)
4. University of Memphis Football autographed by Tommy West
5. Coastal Carolina University Helmet autographed by the Team
6. Newberry College T-shirt (size XL) and Jersey
7. Newberry College Hat and Golf Shirt (size XXL)
8. Gardner-Webb University Helmet
9. Gardner-Webb Shirt and Shorts (size XXXL)
10. Carson Newman College Helmet autographed by Ken Sparks
11. Elon University Helmet
12. East Carolina University Football autographed by Skip Holtz
13. Carolina Panthers Football autographed by 2008 Team
14. University of North Carolina Helmet autographed by Butch Davis
15. University of South Carolina Visor autographed by Steve Spurrier
16. University of South Carolina Helmet autographed by Steve Spurrier
17. University of South Carolina Football autographed by Steve Spurrier

Tuesday December 15, 2009

Second Chance for Coach
By: Elizabeth Brittingham
South Carolina Correspondent

For Coach Barbour, being chosen as a coach is his second chance to be involved in the Shrine Bowl.

In 1987 Barbour was a running back for Garner High School in North Carolina.  He was honored when he was selected to play for the Shrine Bowl.  However,  Barbour’s high school was playing in the State Championship the night before the Shrine Bowl Game.  Garner High School became state champions that week and Barbour was proud to be a part of it.

Luckily, players do not have to choose between State Championships and the Shrine Bowl anymore.  Due to the reoccurring conflict the Shrine Bowl game was pushed back a week so that players could participate in both.

Although he does not regret missing the Shrine Bowl in high school, Barbour considers it an honor and a privilege to be here.  When asked what he hopes to get out of the week Barbour said, “ I want to bond with great coaches,  coach great players, and serve a worthy cause.”

After missing his chance as a player, he is looking forward to finally being able to participate in the  honorary Shrine Bowl this Saturday.

***

Top Notch Medical Bus Helps Ensure Players Safety

By: Elizabeth Brittingham
South Carolina Correspondent

You may have noticed the large doctors office on wheels located at the Dorman practice fields. This state of the art Portable Training Room is one of a kind.

The inventor of this mobile training room is Elton Howely. Mr. Howely designed this bus to be his retirement vehicle. He travels around providing services to high schools without training rooms. You will typically find this bus at multi-team events such as Soccer Tournaments, Cross Country Meets, and Football games.

This bus carries everything you could find at a typical doctors office. From splints to oxygen and even a weather monitor, players are in good hands with this bus around. Heather Kirough, South Carolina Student Trainer states, “You can have all the comforts and resources of your average college training room with you wherever you are.”

Mr. Howely hopes to see many more of these buses in the future. With his invention, endorsed by Khols, he is able to provide athletes with the medical attention they need .
 

Monday December 14, 2009

Mother of Three Shares Appreciation
By: Lauren Gannon
North Carolina Correspondent

Bianca, a mother of three, has used the Shriners hospital facilities for her son since he was young. “They give him x-rays and recommend different types of therapy for his arm,” stated Bianca. When her youngest son was born, his right arm was injured and he was diagnosed with Erbs Palsy. Bianca has been coming to the Shriners hospital since her son was born and she said she was so thankful that they was provided with services that she otherwise might not have been able to receive elsewhere. The young boy also goes to regular therapy appointments outside of the hospital but they always enjoy coming back and appreciate all the time out in by the Shriners club.

***

Shriners Hospital Volunteers Change Lives

By: Lauren Gannon
North Carolina Correspondent

Mr. Brown, Chairman of the Board, oversees the Greenville Shriners Hospital from the board standpoint and although he is a Shriner not everyone on the hospitals staff is. He is the highest ranking and there are about 200 employees that work in the hospital, just a few less than last year due to the economic crisis. Over the past years, the money and cost aspects of the hospital have gone down from 18 million to 17 million to 16 million and they have not had to cut any services but have cut back on a lot of people and positions in the hospital. They never lose hope despite questions arose last year they were thinking about closing down the hospital but they struggled through and it is in great working condition today.

There are 22 hospitals across the United States and it takes $800 million total to run all of them. In order to donate to the Shriners hospital you can get in touch with Mr. Brown as he is a local attorney here in South Carolina. He stated that it takes “about $20 a second to take care of and run the Greenville Shriners Hospital and his benefits are just helping the children and seeing them grow.” Even on your worst days you could come to the hospital and see just how happy the kids are to be alive.

Mr. Fraley, Hospital Administrator, has oversight over the hospital operations, patient care, and medical staff employees. On average they assist 18-20 patients on a daily basis and 980 surgeries were done last year while they have about 1200 outpatients that come through each month. On Mondays and Tuesdays the hospital does spine surgeries because it is more complicated and takes longer to complete. Mr. Fraley likes dealing with the kids and “being in an environment where the focus is doing all it takes to get that child healthy and well and doing the best that it can.” He has worked in the hospital for 23 years and says he would not want to work anywhere else. One moment that sticks out to him is when the hospital received a patient who lost her legs when she was in a bombing in Iraq. They fitted her for prosthesis at 8 years old and last summer she came back and he thought it was so amazing to see just how much she had grown and matured over the years.

Monday December 14, 2009

Shrine Bowl Players Bring Hope

By: Elizabeth Brittingham
South Carolina Correspondent

Sunday was what many people consider the most important day of the week. The football players went to visit the Shriners Hospital and discovered the true meaning of the game.

The humbling experience left many of the players speechless. The teams were divided up and given an extensive tour of the hospital. From the prosthetics room to the operating tables, they were able to realize how much help was offered to these children, Prosthetics typically range from around $2,000 to $10,000 dollars. This price is out of range for most American families. However, the Shriners hospital provides them free of cost to any children who
come through their doors. These prosthetics vary in size, color, and function. For some children, this is the only way they will be able to walk.

The operating room has also has many recent updates. This progress has made it possible for children to undergo less surgeries. They are also in and out much faster. With two skilled surgeons for every operation these children are in great hands.
The Shriners hospital in Greenville has one of thirteen Proprioception facilities. This new technology allows the doctors to see first hand the progress the children are making.

This visit gave the football players the inspiration they needed to make it through the week and the children the hope they needed to continue their fight.

* * *

Players Undergo Thorough Inspection

By: Elizabeth Brittingham
South Carolina Correspondent

With the best athletes from North and South Carolina it is important that they are in top notch shape.
Players had to go through a series of exams in order to make it to Monday’s practice. They were evaluated in everything from blood pressure to dental screening. Medical history was checked to make sure that preexisting conditions did not disqualify them from this week’s activities.

Players had a positive out look on the health screenings. Corey Miller said, “I think it is important because you need to make sure everyone is safe and protected.”

Athletes with previous injuries were especially grateful for the medical examinations. Kelsey Quarles, who suffered from a concussion stated, “I now feel much safer playing after being examined.
Now that everyone has been examined and the coaches know they’re in shape to play, it’s time to begin practicing and get the week rolling.
 

Sunday December 13, 2009

Steps Toward Success
Elizabeth Brittingham
South Carolina Correspondent

With a night full of inspiration and food, the Shrine Bowl participants left with an optimistic
outlook on the week ahead.

Speaker Dale Evans began the night with a joke to lighten everyone’s mood. As the former coach of Dorman High School’s football team Dale knows the ins and outs of football and the ups and downs of life.
Dale shared his three steps to having a successful week with everyone.

Step one begins with a positive attitude and outlook. Step two dealt with optimism, saying you only get what you expect out of life. The third and most important step was persistence. Dale says, “Persistence solves the problems of the world.”

First Baptist Spartanburg was very hospitable to all the players and coaches. Everyone was offered ample amounts of Hamburger Steak, Chicken, and all the vegetables they could eat.

Adidas bags filled with Game Plan Bibles, socks, and toothbrushes were also handed out to all 114 participants.

Overall Dale helped to give an inspiring end to a great first day of the 73rd annual Shrine Bowl week.

* * *

2009 SBOC Will Air On ESPNU
Elizabeth Brittingham
South Carolina Correspondent

This years Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas football game will be aired on ESPNU. Details were worked out to show the game on  a tape delayed basis three times in the coming month..

Air dates will be:
Monday, December 28, 2009 at 2:00pm
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at 3:30am
Thursday, January 7, 2009 at 7:00pm

Justin Simpson, of Scholastic Sports Marketing, has confirmed the deal, and a press release announcing the air times has been released. 

Connie Altman, Game Chairman commented, “This is carrying the game to the next level by putting it on national TV.” 

The players should accept this as a statement about the quality of football being played in these two states and the prestige of the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. Being the first group to be on national television will be something they will long remember.

ESPNU is now available in 55 million households which will give this years Shrine Bowl Game the most National exposure to date.

Sunday December 13, 2009

Ron Long is the Man in Charge
By Elizabeth Brittingham
South Carolina Correspondant

From getting the uniforms to making sure every player is healthy, Ron Long is the man in charge. As athletic director Mr. Long runs, “The basic play of the game,” as he puts it.

As a member of the Shriners Organization since 1979, and Athletic Director since 1999, Ron has everything under control. He is in charge of five committees and makes sure everyone has what they need. From coaches to players, he has everyone’s best interest in mind.

However, Ron hasn’t always been the man in charge. He first heard of the Shriners Organization while working as a salesman at a sports equipment store. He learned how they were helping children and wanted to get involved. Later on, he came in contact with the Shriners Organization again while working for Cramer Products. He was able to get the president of the company to donate to the program.

After Joining the Shriners Club, Ron became an escort. During his twenty years of being an escort he experienced some of his best moments with the Coaches and Players. One experience that stands out occurred at the hospital. A young girl had her hopes set on meeting one of the players. When Mr. Long introduced them, her face lit up. After they talked for over an hour the girl’s parents were thrilled. They thanked Mr. Long for helping bring a smile to their daughters face.

With thirty years of service in the Shriners Association Mr. Long has put numerous hours of work into the organization. French Harvey, Administrator, said, “He is an extremely dedicated Shriner whose heart is in the game, and it’s an extreme pleasure to work with him.” However, Ron doesn’t take all the credit saying, “A leader is only as strong as the people who work under him.” The main point he makes sure to stress is that he is very thankful for the staff he has been blessed with and is looking forward to the game on Saturday.

* * *

Former Shrine Bowl Player Returning as a Coach for the South Carolina Team
By Elizabeth Brittingham
South Carolina Correspondent

Laurens High School teacher and coach, Mike Hawkins, is a former Shrine Bowl Player returning as a Coach for the South Carolina team. After 41 years, Mr. Hawkins is thrilled to be back and able to participate in the Shrine Bowl once again.

As a senior at Parker High School, in Greenville, Mr. Hawkins was thrilled to be chosen to play for the South Carolina Shrine Bowl team. He said, “It was a pretty big honor to be chosen as one of the top 35 players in the state at that time.”

Mr. Hawkins refers to his time as a player as, “One of the most exciting experiences of my life.” He values having the opportunity to play for the Children and their families. The Shrine Bowl gave him the opportunity to represent the true meaning of the game.

Playing in the Shrine Bowl also helped Hawkins receive a scholarship to Morehead State University. The head coach flew down to the game and offered him the scholarship based off his performance. He believes that the Shrine bowl is a great program because it’s beneficial to not only the Children and their families, but the players as well.

Mr. Hawkins has helped many of his athletes get involved in the Shrine Bowl. Throughout his coaching career he has had 21 players participate in the game. He hopes his players get as much out of the experience as he did. His main hope for the players is to appreciate the relationships made and that the visit to the hospital will stay with them.

Mr. Hawkins is honored to be back again and able to experience the game as a coach the second time