Washington graduate Jack Giardino (center) takes the handoff from quarterback Ryan Reighard during the Demons’ first round playoff game versus the Solon Spartans. Photo by Susan Harshman, Washington Demon Football.

The 44th annual Iowa Shrine Bowl is set to kickoff in less than two weeks, and Garrison Carter the head football coach of the Washington Demons has been named the offensive coordinator of the South team. The Iowa Shrine Bowl Game is an all-star football game between selected pre-college football athletes on each side of a north-south dividing line.

Carter joined this week’s PM Sports Page to discuss his involvement with the Shrine Bowl, and the selection of five area athletes for this year’s South Squad. One of those selections is recent Washington graduate Jack Giardino.

Carter said multiple Demon players were in the running to represent Washington at this years event, but Giardino exemplifies what the game of football is all about. He added Giardino’s versatility as a former running back and wide receiver allows Carter to put him in multiple formations. Other area athletes a part of this year’s Shrine Bowl from the KCII listening area include: Mauricio Ramirez of Columbus, Sam Jennings of Winfield-Mount Union, Jackson Gerot of WACO, and Keegan Pullis of Mount Pleasant.

Another part of the Shrine Bowl is about fundraising efforts for the Shriners Hospital for Children. The Iowa Shrine Bowl has accumulated over $2.2 million in donations to the Shriners Hospital during its existence.

The 44th annual Shrine Bowl will be held Saturday, July 23rd at the UNI Dome in Cedar Falls.