Kansas Shrine Bowl

Click on image to enlarge picture. From left to right in the photo: Paul Coffman, Russ Riederer, Larry LeMaster, and MyronConverse

HALL OF FAME
KANSAS SHRINE BOWL

The Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame is established for the purpose of honoring those individuals who have gained recognition and fame for themselves and the Kansas Shrine Bowl as a result of their endeavors and accomplishments.

The selection committee will convene annually and shall consider nominations, information and recommendations from all sources.   The selection committee consists of the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors and all members of the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame

Requirements to become eligible:

1. Nominees must have participated (players, coaches, trainers, managers, supporters, sponsors, etcetera) in the Kansas Shrine Bowl at least 10 years prior.
2. Nominees must have distinguished themselves as an athlete and as a citizen.
3. Nominees must have outstanding professional accomplishments.
4. Nominees must agree to be present, unless disabled or deceased, to personally accept their award at the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Banquet. (Family members may accept the award on behalf of a deceased or incapacitated honoree.)
5. Nominations must be received by November 1st each year to be considered for induction in January.

Current Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Members

Jon Bingesser: 1975 & 1981 Shrine Bowl Coach.  Coach Bingesser has complied a high school football coaching record of 144-73-1 in 23 years.  He graduated from Washburn University with 12 varsity letters including 3 in football, 1 in basketball, 4 in baseball and 4 in track.  He received his Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Emporia State University and his School Administration Degree from Fort Hays State University.  He has been named to the Washburn University Hall of Fame and received several Coach of the Year honors as well as being named the KASSP area III assistant Principal of the Year twice.  Inducted into the KSB HOF January 2007. 

Ron Bowen: 1986, 1987, & 1995 Shrine Bowl Coach.  A long time coach at Washburn Rural High School, Ron serves as co-chairman of the Kansas Shrine Bowl Alumni Association and as a “football rules” advisor to the Executive Director.  A past player said of Coach Bowen, “Outside of my parents, Coach Bowen has had more of an impact on my life  than anyone.  Hard work, honesty and the importance of doing things the right way are just a few of the lessons he taught me.”  Inducted into the KSB HOF January 2007.
 
Paul Coffman:  Paul played in the first Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Game (1974) following graduation from high school in Chase, Kansas.  He is married with four children and currently lives in Peculiar, Missouri.  He was an outstanding football player at KSU and was drafted into the NFL by the Green Bay Packers.  His 10 year NFL career spanned 154 games with Green Bay, Kansas City and Minnesota.  He was a 3-time Pro Bowler and a 2-time All-Pro.  He has assisted the Shrine Bowl many times, doing radio promotions, guest appearances, public speaking and in 2007 he co-chaired and worked the Kansas Shrine Bowl High School combine.  He was inducted into the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame in 1994.  Inducted into the KSB HOF January 2008. 

Myron Converse:  Myron played in the 1982 Kansas Shrine Bowl after graduation from Manhattan High School.  He currently lives in Clay Center with his wife, Tami, and two sons.  Myron played football and graduated from KSU.  He received his Doctorate of Chiropractic at Cleveland Chiropractic.  He has a practice in Clay Center and in Junction City.  Myron has served 6 years on the Shrine Bowl Board of Directors (President of the Board in 2002) and has volunteered as the Shrine Bowl West Camp Director for the past several years.  Myron is a co-chairman and regular donor to the Shrine Bowl Alumni Association.  Inducted into the KSB HOF January 2008. 

Gene John (deceased): 1982 & 1983 Shrine Bowl Coach.  To quote from a former player, “Along with a tremendous football coaching record that stands as a testimony to his impact on the sport of football in the state of Kansas, he was a unique individual.  Coach John never saw himself as “better” than the next guy, although he came out on top in the win column more often than not.  Coach John was a “gentlemen’s coach” who treated his players with respect and dignity, and let them have room to be individuals; yet taught the essence of team, and would not tolerate poor sportsmanship or showoffs.”  Inducted into the KSB HOF January 2007. 

Larry LeMaster:  Larry played in the 1977 Kansas Shrine Bowl all-Star Game following graduation from Wellington High School.  He gradated from Kansas University in 1981.  Larry currently lives in Wichita and he and his wife, Christi, have three children.  A CPA, Larry is an analysis at Koch Industries.  He is a member and donor to the Kansas Shrine Bowl Alumni Association.  Inducted into the KSB HOF January 2008. 

Russ Riederer:  Russ played in the 1975 Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Game after graduating from Holton High School.  He and his wife have four children and currently live in Holton.  Russ was a linebacker at KSU and stayed on after graduation as a Strength and Conditioning Coach.  He continued his coaching career at Purdue University (1987-1990), with Green Bay Packers (1 year) and then spent 13 years as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Chicago Bears, retiring in 2005.  Inducted into the KSB HOF January 2008. 

Roger Robben: 1987 Shrine Bowl Player.  While attending the University of Kansas he lettered 4 years in football and led the Big 8 Conference in tackles as a linebacker in 1989.  He was the lead blocker as a fullback when Tony Sands set Division IA-NCAA rushing record for a game vs. Missouri in 1991.  After coaching at Remington High School and Buhler High School, Roger is currently the head football coach at Goddard High.  Inducted into the KSB HOF January 2007. 

Gary Spani: 1974 Shrine Bowl Player.  Gary played at KSU from 1974-1977 and 10 years for Kansas City.  He was the all-time leading tackler for the Kansas State and for the Chiefs organization.  A member of the K-State hall of Fame, the NCAA College Football Hall of Fame, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame, Gary is currently employed by the Chiefs.  Inducted into the KSB HOF January 2007. 

Dr. Greg Wood: 1975  Shrine Bowl Player.  Dr. Woods played his college football at Kansas University from 1975-1979.  He blocked for Nolan Cromwell and lettered as an offensive guard.  Upon graduation he had offers for 3 NFL team tryouts, however he chose to attend medical school and pursue his life-long ambition of becoming a doctor where he has distinguished himself as an outstanding citizen serving others.  He has been featured several times as the guest speaker at KSHSAA coaches’ clinics on sports medicine and was the team physician for the West Kansas Shrine Bowl squad from 1994-2002.  Inducted into the KSB HOF January 2007.