Thermopolis graduates participate in Shrine Bowl

On Saturday, June 11, Hot Springs County High School graduates KinDale Andreen and Tyler Cornwell participated in the 43rd annual Shrine Bowl.

Andreen said the experience was an awesome one, and she enjoyed having one last game. A sports trainer for the past four years, Andreen said sports medicine brings together her passion for sports and taking care of people. Her freshman year saw her getting water, heat and ice for players as needed - though at one point she did help splint a player who had a dislocated elbow - and her duties became more involved through her high school career.

As part of the experience, the students visited a Shriner's Hospital. Andreen said it really moves a person's heart to see the children there.

During the game, Andreen said she got some experience helping the players, but there wasn't anything too extreme. She will attend University of Nebraska-Lincoln, studying in their Sports Medicine program.

Cornwell, playing on the North team, said it was the most fun game he's ever got to experience, though he did note the play was much faster and like playing at another level. But, he said, it was also like playing at a college level.

The practice schedule was a bit higher-level as well. Cornwell explained there was practice right when he arrived on Saturday, June 4. They then drove to Evanston on Sunday, then on to the Shriner's Hospital in Salt Lake City on Monday. Among the stops during the trip, Cornwell said one that had the most impact was visiting the kids at the hospital.

The next week would have Cornwell and other members of the team doing two-a-days in Casper. He explained the schedule went breakfast, practice, lunch, practice, dinner; there were also some evening activities to promote team bonding.

As for the game itself, Cornwell noted the 15-minute quarters, about twice as long as those in high school football, but the craziest thing was the weather. Typically windy, he said there was no wind through the week, and on game day, the 11th, it was 96 degrees. As turf can add five to seven degrees, that means the temperature on field was closer to 102. Cornwell said his cleats actually melted.

A slot receiver for the team, and on special teams as well, one of Cornwell's best memories from the game is when he ran a trick play with a player from Sheridan and another from Gillette. Though the play resulted in a score, he said the referee threw a flag after it was finished. Not only did his teammates know the ref made a bad call, he said, it was also obvious the crowd didn't agree with the decision.

The South team came out strong at the start of the game, Cornwell said, scoring a couple touchdowns early on. While the North was a little mad, they weren't too worried as they had plenty of talent, he said. That attitude was certainly a factor in the North's 41-26 victory.

Cornwell is grateful for the opportunity to represent Thermopolis and be able to play with the greatest kids in the state.

"It will definitely be a memory I will hold until the day I die."