MSU President's Newspaper Column
June 27, 2026
Mayville State hosts Shrine Bowl week with purpose and heart
Last week, Mayville State became a hub of camaraderie and purpose as we welcomed student athletes, coaches, families, and fans for the annual North Dakota Shrine Bowl football games. From the first practice to the final whistle, campus-wide energy reflected the excitement of competition and the intent of the Shrine Bowl: bringing communities together in support of a meaningful cause. The Shrine Bowl celebrates athletic achievement and the spirit of service and compassion that defines Shriners everywhere.
The North Dakota Shrine Bowl All-Star Game, established in 1974, has a proud tradition of combining athletic excellence with community impact. It was founded with three key goals: honoring outstanding student athletes and recognizing high school football players who have demonstrated both exceptional skill on the field and exemplary character off the field; supporting Shriners Children’s Hospitals by raising awareness and funds; and educating the public by sharing the mission of Shriners International, helping to ensure that more children and families can access the life-changing care they provide.
Shriners Children’s currently serves more than 400 pediatric patients from North Dakota and western Minnesota. These hospitals provide world-class care in orthopedics, burn treatment, spinal cord injury, and craniofacial conditions, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.
We at Mayville State University are grateful for the opportunity to have hosted approximately 160 Shrine Bowl players and coaches. Preparations for the big week began months ago, with Mayville State Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Rocky Larson and MSU Foundation Executive Director Lon Jorgensen leading the way, working closely with members of the Kem and El Zagel Temples.
While on campus, the student athletes spent lots of time honing their skills and building bonds, while activities that strengthened the shared spirit of sportsmanship and service filled in the rest of the time.
The success of the event was evident in the smiles and words of satisfaction shared. That success, however, was no accident. Mayville State’s people invested countless hours of preparation and coordination in an effort to make sure the campus would be an outstanding site for the full slate of practices, events, and celebrations associated with North Dakota Shrine Bowl 2026.
Well-deserved recognition is due to the members of Mayville State’s Facilities Services, Physical Plant, Dining Services, and Housing staff, as well as the Mayville State football coaching staff and others in Athletics, whose dedication and attention to detail ensured that every aspect of the event ran smoothly. From preparing athletic facilities and maintaining grounds to readying residence halls and responding to needs at a moment’s notice, these teams went above and beyond to create an environment that was welcoming and comfortable.
We were fortunate to have Mother Nature on our side this year, as beautiful summer weather provided an amazing backdrop in which to play and enjoy the Shrine Bowl games. Team East came out ahead in both matchups, winning the 11-man game 48-12, and the 9-man game 64-30. The 11-man match up featured Shanley quarterback Jax Mattern playing his final game under his dad and head coach, Troy Mattern. The high-scoring victory for the East in the 9-man game was highlighted by standout offensive performances from Easton Benz of New Rockford-Sheyenne-Maddock and Berkley Frantz of South Border.
We’re CometProud of the Mayville State alumni who served as coaches for the games. Jason Monilaws, Hankinson, was head coach for the 9-man East team. One of his assistants was Brady Laxdal from Cavalier. Mayville State graduate Mike Zier was a coach for the 9-man West team.
Mayville State University’s success in hosting the Shrine Bowl was made possible by the dedication and generosity of its employees who consistently step up in both ordinary and extraordinary ways to create exceptional experiences. Time and again, Shrine Bowl visitors remarked on the kindness and care they encountered across campus, a reflection of the culture that makes Mayville State a special place. It’s clear that the university is stronger because its employees truly care, and I commend all who contributed to the success of Shrine Bowl 2026 for a job well done.
The overall success of the Shrine Bowl is a great example of what happens when Mayville State University and its employees, members of the Shrine temples, high school coaches from across the state and region, and community volunteers come together for a shared purpose. This event impacts the entire state, region, and our own community. I extend my sincere thanks to all who made this effort possible, all in the name of a great cause, helping children and families who have needs. There’s no better reason to be CometProud!