** July 20, 2019 in Butte, Montana **
Before 2017's East/West Shrine Game the players were treated to a visit from former NFL players Mitch Donahue and Spencer Larsen.
Mitch, a 2016 inductee into the Montana Football Hall of Fame, shared his story of reaching the NFL and that of his son Dylan's journey. Dylan was drafted by the New York Jets in the 5th round of the 2017 NFL Draft after a stand out career for West Georgia. Dylan's path to the NFL was filled with obstacles that he had to overcome but Mitch's message was clear; Never give up no matter what you face and you can achieve your dreams.
Spencer, the co-chair of The Montana Football Hall of Fame, was joined by his family and friends as he told the Shrine Bowl players and coaches about his journey to the NFL. He spoke of pushing himself everyday to be the best version not only on the field but in life. He shared a memorable conversation he had with Brian Dawkins about not settling and worrying about making mistakes but rather pushing yourself beyond what you believe is possible to achieve their dreams on the field and in life.
The Montana Shrine Game is the premier all-star game in Montana and has a long history of distinguished players and coaches. It is one of the oldest high school all-star football games in the United States. Every year since 1947, Montana high schools’ finest players are selected to compete in a game to raise money and to help make the public aware of the expert orthopedic and burn care available at the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Spokane, Washington. In recent years, the Montana game has become one of the top Shrine Games in the nation for hospital donations. The Montana Shrine Game has raised over $400,000 the past six years.
