Montezuma’s Simpson chosen for Iowa Shrine Bowl

MONTEZUMA — A 2025 graduating Montezuma senior will put on a Braves football uniform one last time this summer.

Briar Simpson, son of Matt and Renee Simpson, has been selected to participate in the 2025 Iowa Shrine Bowl All Star Football Classic July 19 at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls.

On the sidelines will be Montezuma cheerleaders Hayley Burnett, Analeece Kercheval, Addyson Probasco, Emily James and Tayler Wickham.

This will be the third year that James and Wickham have cheered at the Shrine Bowl and the second year that Burnett has cheered from the sidelines.

It’s the first year for Kercheval and Probasco.

This is the 53rd playing of Iowa Shrine Bowl. The game was first played in 1972.

Players and cheerleaders from across the State of Iowa will attend camp in the days leading up to the game. During camp week, the players and cheerleaders prepare for the game, build lasting friendships and have opportunities to learn about the impact they can have on less fortunate children.

The highlight of Shrine Bowl week is the Shriners’ Children minicamp. Hospital patients from across the Midwest join the players on the UNI Dome field and interact, play games and share stories.

On the eve of the Shrine Bowl game, they celebrate all of the game participants and their families at an honors banquet.

The week concludes with a parade Saturday morning featuring the 2025 Iowa Shrine Bowl king and queen, the 2025 Shrine Bowl players, cheerleaders and coaches, joined by Shriners from across Iowa.

The game gets underway at 4 p.m. Doors open at 2 p.m.

Simpson will play on the south squad.

Head coach of the south squad will be Matt Straight of Logan-Magnolia. Assistant coaches will be Justin Huber, Albia; Joe Brummer, Atlantic; Corey Vespestad, Ballard; Shane Rowlands, Southeast Warren; John Nestor, West Branch; and Josh DeWaard, Des Moines East.

Each team is made up of 46 players

Simpson, who wore number 56 for the Braves, finished his senior campaign at Montezuma, earning academic all-district, academic all-state, all-district defensive lineman of the year, first team all-conference defensive lineman of the year, second team all-state for defense and the Des Moines Register second team for offensive line

In addition, Simpson earned state championship honors in the personal finance category in DECA and state championship honors in the national economics challenge.

Simpson noted that he has received some college offers but is still undecided on his college plans. He is interested in a career of finance, business and economics.

He played football at Montezuma all four years of his prep career. He also participates in track and field in shot put and discus and has played basketball and baseball in the past.

When asked about this opportunity to play in the Shrine Bowl, Simpson said, “Being able to raise money for the Shriner’s Hospital and help kids is a blessing.”

Cheerleaders

Three of the five Montezuma cheerleaders , James, Kercheval and Wickham, served customers at Sauced Pizza & Pub Saturday, April 12. The event raised close to $600 for the Shriner’s Hospital.

“The Iowa Shrine Bowl is important to me as we help such a great cause and make children and families’ lives a little easier,” said James.

“I love that we get to be the smiling faces that uplift the people around the patients. The children all want to be seen equally. We all get to be extraordinary together.”

“I’m really excited to cheer at the Iowa Shrine Bowl,” said Kercheval. “I’m looking forward to meeting the kids and seeing how we can impact them.”

“I think every year I have gone to the Iowa Shrine Bowl game, I have learned more about the organization,” said Wickham. “I love meeting the children and seeing who the money we raise is going to. I’m so grateful to be a part of such a great organization.”

Reach out to the Iowashrinebowl.org for ticket information.