The Kansas Shrine Bowl is excited to announce the coaches who will lead the East and West teams in the 53rd Kansas Shrine Bowl on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Emporia, Kansas.
Each classification of 11-man football, 1A through 6A, is represented on the coaching staff, while the Head Coach of each team is selected from the previous year’s Kansas Shrine Bowl assistants.
The East team will be led by Mike Berg (Wellsville) who was announced earlier this summer as the 2026 East Head Coach.
The East coaching staff assistants will be Kurt Webster (Shawnee Mission Northwest – 6A), Rod Stallbaumer (Basehor-Linwood – 5A), Bradley Argabright (Labette County – 4A), Greg Slade (Santa Fe Trail – 3A), Andrew Gantenbein (Osage City – 2A), and Derick Hammes (Rossville – 1A).
The East coaching staff brings a wealth of Kansas Shrine Bowl experience to this year’s team, with Mike Berg, Rod Stallbaumer, Greg Slade, Andrew Gantenbein and Derick Hammes having coached in a combined 12 Kansas Shrine Bowls. Hammes also played in the game as an East All-Star for Nemaha Valley in 1989. Kurt Webster and Bradley Argabright will be participating for the first time in the Kansas Shrine Bowl.
The West team is led by Daniel Myears (Mulvane) and his staff will include Randall Zimmerman (Junction City – 6A), Erin Beck (Great Bend – 5A), Dawson Elliott (Augusta – 4A), Brent Hoelting (Pratt – 3A), Todd Rice (Garden Plain – 2A), and Brent Schneider (Sterling – 1A).
Coach Zimmerman will be making his Kansas Shrine Bowl record 9th appearance on the sidelines. Zimmerman has been an assistant coach five times previously (1988, 1995, 2009, 2015, 2021) and the West Head Coach on three previous occasions (1996, 2010, 2016). Erin Beck and Brent Hoelting also bring Kansas Shrine Bowl experience to the West squad, while Dawson Elliott, Todd Rice and Brent Schneider will be making their Kansas Shrine Bowl coaching debuts. Rice served as an assistant coach in the Nebraska Shrine Bowl in 2009 while the Head Coach at North Platte High School.
“We’re always grateful for the sacrifice these coaches make by taking time away from their own programs and their families to be a part of the Kansas Shrine Bowl experience,” said Brice Kesler, Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “We certainly couldn’t have the quality of football game that we get without this outstanding coaching talent, but these men also provide tremendous leadership to the players and serve as great ambassadors for the mission of the Kansas Shrine Bowl.”
The 53rd Kansas Shrine Bowl will be played at Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas on Saturday, June 27th, 2026, at 7:00 pm. The initial rosters for the game will be announced during the annual Kansas Shrine Bowl Player Selection Show, which is set to air on Sunday, January 11th, 2026, at 4:00 pm. The selection show can be watched at www.KansasShrineBowl.com and on the Kansas Shrine Bowl YouTube channel. For more information on the Kansas Shrine Bowl and all the additional camps, events and support opportunities surrounding the game, please visit www.KansasShrineBowl.com or call the Kansas Shrine Bowl office at 913-602-8656.
The Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that produces annual events and related activities with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children's. The Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc has existed since 1974 with the flagship event being the Kansas Shrine Bowl, an East vs. West all-star senior football game. Kansas Shrine All-Star Events also include the Kansas Masonic All-State Marching Band Camp, the Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Cheer Camp, the KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals and many other game week events. All Kansas Shrine All-Star Events are produced and presented to benefit Shriners Children's. Shriner's Children's, previously Shriners Hospitals for Children, is a world-renowned healthcare system with hospitals, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care centers and outreach locations across the globe. Shriners Children's is dedicated to improving the lives of children every day by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.
2026 Kansas Shrine Bowl East Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Mike Berg, Wellsville. 2025 Record: 6-4; Head Coach Record at Wellsville: 53-18. Overall Head Coaching Record: 170-100 (Baldwin, Wellsville). Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: East Assistant Coach (2025-Wellsville)
“It's an honor and a privilege to help raise awareness for the Shriner's and their mission. I am excited to work with some of the best coaches and players in the State of Kansas.”
6A Assistant: Kurt Webster, Shawnee Mission Northwest
2025 Record: 7-4; Head Coach Record at SMNW: 7-4. Overall Head Coaching Record: 34-36 (Chapman, Shawnee Mission Northwest). Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: First game
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to coach in this year’s Kansas Shrine Bowl. It is a distinct honor to stand on the sidelines representing our community and supporting the life-changing work of the Shriners Hospitals. I can’t wait to get to work with this talented group of players.”
5A Assistant: Rod Stallbaumer, Basehor-Linwood. 2025 Record: 12-1 *KSHSAA 5A State Runner-Up; Head Coach Record at Basehor-Linwood: 95-33. Overall Head Coaching Record: 161-61 (Quivira Heights, Lyndon, Basehor-Linwood)Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: East Assistant Coach (2008-Lyndon; 2014, 2021-Basehor-Linwood), East Head Coach (2009-Lyndon; 2022-Basehor-Linwood)
“I'm excited to be able to represent the Basehor-Linwood football program and the Basehor-Linwood community in the Kansas Shrine Bowl and do a small part to help such a noble and worthy cause.”
4A Assistant: Bradley Argabright, Labette County. 2025 Record: 9-3; Head Coach Record at Labette County: 9-3. Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: First game
“It is an incredible honor to have the opportunity to represent the 4A East in the 2026 Kansas Shrine Bowl. This opportunity reflects the hard work and commitment of the great team and coaching staff I was able to lead in the 2025 season at Labette County High School. I am grateful to be able to help spread the Shriner's mission and to be able to coach some of the amazing young men who embody what football in Kansas is all about.”
3A Assistant: Greg Slade, Santa Fe Trail. 2025 Record: 11-1; Head Coach Record at Santa Fe Trail: 16-5. Overall Head Coaching Record: 136-117 (Rose Hill, Campus, Newton, Santa Fe Trail). Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: West Assistant Coach (2005, 2012-Rose Hill)
“It is an honor to get to represent Santa Fe Trail HS, Our School District, and Communities at 2026 Kansas Shrine Bowl. I want to thank my wife, Lisa, for all support she gives me as a High School Head Football Coach.”
2A Assistant: Andrew Gantenbein, Osage City. 2025 Record: 10-2; Head Coach Record at Osage City: 112-61. Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: East Assistant Coach (2021-Osage City)
“I am excited to coach in the 2026 Kansas Shrine Bowl. I've had the opportunity to do it once before, and it was a great experience. I look forward to working with this year's staff and players as we get together and compete for a great cause.”
1A Assistant: Derick Hammes, Rossville. 2025 Record: 11-2 *KSHSAA 1A State Runner-Up; Head Coach Record at Rossville: 126-30. Overall Head Coaching Record: 154-85 (Center, MO, Washburn Rural, Rossville). Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: 1989 East All-Star (Nemaha Valley); East Assistant Coach (2016, 2022-Rossville); East Head Coach (2017-Rossville)
“I'm excited to get to coach the "best of the best" as I have another opportunity to be involved in the Kansas Shrine Bowl. Most importantly, I'm honored to get the chance to help the Shrine Bowl achieve its mission of helping children in need.”
2026 Kansas Shrine Bowl West Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Daniel Myears, Mulvane
2025 Record: 8-2; Head Coach Record at Mulvane: 39-37
Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: West Assistant Coach (2025-Mulvane)
“I am truly honored and humbled to have the opportunity to be involved with the Kansas Shrine Bowl again in 2026. After serving as an assistant coach in 2025, I was inspired by the incredible work the Shriners Hospitals have done and continue to do for children in need. I’m grateful for the chance to play a small role in supporting their mission.”
6A Assistant: Randall Zimmerman, Junction City. 2025 Record: 7-3; Head Coach Record at Junction City: 205-112. Overall Head Coaching Record: 237-145 (Salina Sacred Heart, Phillipsburg, Junction City). Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: Most All-Time Coaching Appearances in Kansas Shrine Bowl history; West Assistant Coach (1988, 1995, 2009, 2015, 2021-Junction City); West Head Coach (1996, 2010, 2016-Junction City)
“I am very honored to be a part of this game this year. I have great respect for Shriners and their families for what they do for the children of the hospital. The Shrine Bowl experience is very humbling, bringing an incredible appreciation for the talents and gifts we have been given.”
5A Assistant: Erin Beck, Great Bend. 2025 Record: 11-1; Head Coach Record at Great Bend: 61-39. Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: West Assistant Coach (2020-Great Bend)
“Such an honor to be selected to represent the 5A West once again. Very excited for this opportunity. Was an assistant during the summer of 2020 so was unable to fully experience everything due to COVID.”
4A Assistant: Dawson Elliott, Augusta. 2025 Record: 5-6; Head Coach Record at Augusta: 6-14. Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: First game
“I am honored to coach in such a historic game as the Shrine Bowl, and I look forward to the experience.”
3A Assistant: Brent Hoelting, Pratt. 2025 Record: 9-2; Head Coach Record at Pratt: 37-29. Overall Head Coaching Record: 74-44 (Lyndon, Pratt). Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: East Assistant Coach (2017-Lyndon)
“Coaching in the Kansas Shrine Bowl is a tremendous honor. It's a reflection of having great kids and assistants in your program. I am excited to get to know this year's team and to get to help raise money for such a worthy cause.”
2A Assistant: Todd Rice, Garden Plain. 2025 Record: 9-2; Head Coach Record at Garden Plain: 29-12. Overall Head Coaching Record: 172-143 (Ness City, Phillipsburg, Henderson NE, North Platte NE, Clay Center, Garden Plain). Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: First game (2009 Nebraska Shrine Bowl Assistant Coach)
“I feel that being selected to participate in the Shrine Bowl is the highest honor that a high school athlete, or coach can attain. I am very humbled and look forward to being involved in such an impactful event.”
1A Assistant: Brent Schneider, Sterling. 2025 Record: 13-0 *KSHSAA 1A State Champions; Head Coach Record at Sterling: 36-33. Overall Head Coaching Record: 51-57 (Ellsworth, Chase, Sterling). Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: First game
“It is an amazing honor that I have been chosen as an assistant coach for the 2026 Kansas Shrine Bowl. I would like to give the glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you to my assistant coaches, their families, SHS, and the Sterling community. Most of all, thank you to my wife Mariah. I couldn't be more excited for this opportunity to participate with these fantastic coaches and athletes.”