Sheridan County is especially proud this weekend as eight of its own have been chosen to compete and coach at the 50th annual Wyoming Shrine Bowl football game taking place at Kelly Walsh High School in Casper, with Big Horn coach Kirk McLaughlin leading the North team. Four of those chosen—three Rams and one Sheridan Panther—linger due to injury or track and baseball seasons. Additionally, student managers and coaches were also selected for the esteemed game.
Sheridan County is proudly represented at the 50th annual Wyoming Shrine Bowl football game, taking place on Saturday at Kelly Walsh High School football stadium in Casper. Big Horn coach Kirk McLaughlin has been selected to lead the north team against various players from the south. An impressive eight Sheridan County players have been chosen for the game, three of which hail from Big Horn: Wyatt Brown, Cooper Garber and Dylan Greenough-Groom. Unfortunately, Greenough-Groom is unable to participate due to lingering soreness from track and baseball season.
Additionally, Big Horn assistant coaches Andrew Marcure and Colter Brantz, along with Rams student manager Hannah Zent, will be on staff. Furthermore, Sheridan County is also represented by four players: Dillan Bennett, Colson Coon, Deed Kirschner and Casen Wilson. Last, but certainly not least, student trainer Olivia Ballew has been chosen as student manager. Coach McLaughlin expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to coach back-to-back Wyoming Football Gatorade Player of the Year and Montana State walk-on commit at this year’s Shrine Bowl game.
“I’m always proud of the kids Sheridan produces. They’re always well-coached and it’s great to get to know them in person after hearing so much about them. Colter Coon is a particularly impressive player, and I’m glad to have him as an assistant coach in a sense. He’s been a great peer-mentor for some of the other running backs.”
Tavis Aksamit, from Tongue River High School, is another amazing player. I’m glad he’s not playing against us this time and I can fully appreciate his tackles. It’s great to see him join the Shrine Bowl team and show his support for Big Horn with a decal on his helmet. It’s an honor to have both of these players represent Sheridan on such a prestigious team.
Luke Talich from Cody has received full ride offers from some of the top Pac-12 schools and is committed to Notre Dame as a preferred walk-on. He’s an impressive player who will surely make an impact in the game.
His skill and athleticism are evident in his ability to out-maneuver receivers for a pass, while also taking care of his teammates. Everyone is excited to see what he is capable of when unleashed on the field.
Aksamit and his fellow players were inspired to take action after a trip to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Salt Lake City. It was a tradition for the Wyoming Shrine Bowl, and it served to remind them of their immense fortune and the power of sports to make a difference in people’s lives. The Wyoming Shrine Bowl is an annual event with the North leading the all-time series 26-19-3 – but the South last won in 2021. It will be an exciting game that will raise money for an incredible cause.
Sheridan County is certainly proud of its representation at this year’s Wyoming Shrine Bowl game, with eight local students participating in a unique opportunity made possible by Big Horn coach Kirk McLaughlin and assistant coaches Andrew Marcure and Colter Brantz. While no doubt disappointed that Dylan Greenough-Groom is unable to participate due to injury, the community can find pride in the four players from rivals Sheridan and Big Horn, representing their schools at this graciously attended event. The collective success of these student-athletes constitutes an impressive promotional attempt for Sheridan County, as prestigious awards, stellar academics and inspiring athleticism alike become endorsed by an even larger audience. One game at Kelly Walsh High School has already proven capable of creating lasting memories and if given more attention, Wyoming Shrine Bowl could become a greater showcase for all double-Z cities.
