Powell makes memories on and off the field at Iowa Shrine Bowl
Recent MFL MarMac graduate Wyatt Powell capped off his high school football career at the Iowa Shrine Bowl on July 20. Powell started at linebacker for the North Team, which defeated the South 49-28. (Submitted photo)
Wyatt Powell stands with Iowa Shrine Bowl General Manager Michael Hensing, who organizes the event. Powell said the experience “is one that will stick with me the rest of my life.” (Submitted photo)
By Audrey Posten, Times-Register
Recent MFL MarMac graduate Wyatt Powell capped off a notable high school football career at the Iowa Shrine Bowl on July 20.
The two-time all-state selection, who helped lead the Bulldogs to the state title game last season, was a member of the North Team that defeated the South 49-28 at the UNI-Dome.
Powell was honored to be considered for the all-star football game that features top high school players from across the state.
“It’s cool my coach nominated me, but it means even more knowing we got selected not just for football, but how we are as a person,” he said.
The Shrine Bowl experience started the Sunday prior to the game. The first practice was that day, and they continued throughout the week.
“Every coach does things differently, so it was a lot of learning—learning where to be and what position when the coach called it,” Powell explained. “It was a really good experience.”
Powell anticipated he’d play running back for the North squad, but was instead a linebacker.
“That was fine with me,” he said. “I was ready to go.”
While Powell knew a few fellow players heading into the week, he forged new friendships on and off the field. He learned a lot from them too.
“It’s interesting to learn how they practice, their approach to the game. Everyone is good. There are no weak links,” he shared.
Off the field, players enjoyed bowling, a trip to a water park and a hog roast. They also learn about the impact they—and Shriners Hospitals for Children—have on children and families.
The highlight of Shrine Bowl week is the Shriners’ Children Mini-Camp, where hospital patients from across the Midwest meet the players, play games and share stories.
“Learning about people and their stories, what they’ve gone through, that will stick with me the rest of my life,” Powell reflected.
The week culminated at the Shrine Bowl, where Powell started at outside linebacker. The selection meant a lot to him.
“I knew, from the start, that I wanted to be a starter,” he said. “The hard work paid off.”
While the North fell behind early, the team rallied in the second half to win by three touchdowns. Powell was happy about the win and to have a large contingency cheering him on from the stands, including family, friends and MFL MarMac head coach Dan Anderson.
“That meant a lot to see them in the crowd,” he said.
Now, Powell is turning his attention to college. He’s playing football—a linebacker—at Division II Upper Iowa University.
Workouts and team camps are already underway, and Powell said he’s getting a heavy dose of the “different caliber” of strength training and workouts. He’s excited to prove himself, and aims to be on the roster and traveling with the team as a freshman.
“That’s my main goal,” he said.
