2025 Iowa High School Shrine Bowl Reflections
More Than a Game: Iowa Shrine Bowl 2025
Special Contributor: Michael Hensing, Iowa Shrine Bowl General Manager
The UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls was the stage for the 2025 Iowa Shrine Bowl on Saturday, July 19th. This annual senior all-star event brought together 92 standout football players, 14 coaches, 69 cheerleaders, and 3 cheer coaches—all in support of the Iowa Shriners Children’s and its mission to provide world-class care regardless of a family’s ability to pay.
While the South Team claimed a dramatic 16-13 victory with a late field goal, the impact extended well beyond the scoreboard. Each year, the Iowa Shrine Bowl Board of Directors honors the participant who makes the biggest difference off the field—the top fundraiser for Shriners Children’s.
This year, that honor went to Wesley Vana of Logan-Magnolia, who not only led all participants in fundraising but also shattered the all-time Iowa Shrine Bowl record by raising over $12,000, the highest total ever by a single player. Shriner’s from across the state and country were blown away by the commitment and dedication Wesley showed in joining our team to support so many children that rely on care from Shriners Children’s.
Wesley was honored as the 2025 recipient of the Jerry and Ellie Hoffman Award, a prestigious recognition named after the longtime leaders of the Iowa Shrine Bowl. Jerry and Ellie Hoffman guided the event for 23 years, during which time it raised over $3 million for Shriners Children’s. Following their retirement in 2022, the award was established to celebrate a player or cheerleader who exemplifies focus, determination, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to their team—qualities Wesley embodied throughout his high school career and at the Iowa Shrine Bowl. A $250 donation will be made to Shriners Twin Cities in Wesley’s name.
Additionally, Logan-Magnolia Head Football Coach Matt Straight exemplifies everything the Iowa Shrine Bowl represents. Coach Straight’s leadership, compassion, and dedication to both the game and the greater cause was special. Over the past year, since being selected as the Head Coach of the South Team, he served as a mentor, motivator, and role model, helping his players grow not only as athletes but as individuals.
Whether he was attending a Shrine Bowl event, leading practice, cheering on Shrine Kids, or sharing the mission of Shriners Children’s with his players, Coach Straight demonstrated the selflessness, integrity, and team-first mindset that define the Shrine Bowl experience. His presence was a powerful reminder that the event is about much more than football, it’s about impact and understanding the importance of helping others!
Thank you to Logan-Magnolia’s Wesley Vana, Coach Matt Straight, South Team Manager Madden Loftus, and all the sponsors, donors, and supporters of the 2025 Iowa Shrine Bowl. Your dedication, generosity, and spirit have left a lasting impression on everyone involved.
