Former Missouri Western defensive end David Bass will be participating in the annual East-West Shrine Game on Saturday, January 19, 2013 in St. Petersburg, Florida. The game will be played at Tropicana Field home of the Tampa Bay Rays. Bass is the second Griffon to have the opportunity to play in the shrine game. Bass will be on the east squad. Last season St. Louis Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein became the Griffon to play in the game.

Since 1925 the East-West Shrine Game® has been more than just a football game. It’s been a showcase for the next generation of NFL greats and a priceless benefit event for Shriners Hospitals for Children®. The East-West Shrine Game is the longest-running all-star college football game, combining great football with a great cause and creating experiences for players that will last a lifetime.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to age 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the families’ ability to pay.

– Players and coaches visit Shriners Hospitals for Children — Tampa before the game.

– Games, crafts and other activities bring together college football players and children for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

– Coaches and players gain a personal understanding of the meaning of the game.

Throughout the history of the East-West Shrine Game®, players have been chosen because they are the very best in the country. In fact, there are 246 former East-West Shrine Game players on current NFL rosters.

Each year the players visit a Shriners Hospitals for Children® as part of their game-week activities. For many players, this visit is an opportunity to develop a philanthropic relationship that can last a lifetime.

Coaching the East-West Shrine Game is as significant an honor as playing. The coaches are former NFL coaches selected for their knowledge, experience and accomplishments throughout their careers. Each head coach brings along with him three of his own assistant coaches to round out his lead team. The coach for the West squad in 2013 is Leeman Bennett and Jerry Glanville will coach the east.

— MWSU Sports Information —