BOZEMAN and BUTTE -- It’s a Montana Christmas tradition that high school football seniors look forward to every year: the roster release for the annual Montana East-West Shrine Game.
Lots of teams from southwest Montana are going to be well-represented. Five Bozeman Hawks were selected to be a part of the East Team, which will be coached by John Fitzgerald of Red Lodge.
- G John Brown
- DE Kenneth Eiden IV
- DE Luke Fedyk
- C Camren Spencer
- ILB Brooks Talbot
“You look at that list and, man, those are some really good football players," said Bozeman High football coach Levi Wesche. "We have a lot of football players to replace next year, but I think that the first thing that popped into my head was just extremely deserving.”
Switching over to the West roster, lots of talent was selected from Class B state champion Manhattan.
- CB Tate Bowler
- DE Gabriel Delgatty
- S Caden Holgate
- OLB Toby Veltkamp
“They put in the work in the offseason and obviously had a great season this year, so it’s a great honor for them, and I’m super proud of them for sure,” said Manhattan coach Chris Grabowska.
"I’m excited to play in the East-West Shrine Game," said Manhattan defensive end Gabriel Delgatty. "It means a lot to be selected as one of the best in the state.”
Over in Beaverhead County, four players from Dillon were selected for the West Team.
- DL Zeke Ellis
- S Jace Fitzgerald
- S Michael Hupp
- WR Cole Truman
Finally, one senior from Butte Central, two from Butte High, and two from Whitehall were also selected for the West Team.
- DL Bryan Holland (Butte Central)
- TE Jake Olson (Butte High)
- G Ty Raiha (Butte High)
- DE Dylan Smith (Whitehall)
- WR Flint Smith (Whitehall)
"Oh yeah, I've dreamed of this for a long time," said Butte Central defensive lineman Bryan Holland. "It was a great surprise on Christmas to see my name on there, and it's just a great feeling to be part of it."
The West Team will be coached by Missoula Sentinel’s Dane Oliver, and teams will be competing to raise money for Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Spokane, Washington.
“I just want to say how honored I am to play in this great game and be a part of something that’s for such a great cause and also ball out with my guys from the east side," said Bozeman defensive end Luke Fedyk.
The Shrine Game is set to kick off June 19, 2021 in Billings.
