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Twin City Times April 5th 2007
Shriners kick off 18th Lobster Bowl Classic
Cheerleaders, players, coaches gather support
By Erik M. Johannes
TCT Reporter

          Hundreds of athletes gathered Sunday at the Kora Shriners Temple to kick off preparations for this year’s Annual Lobster Bowl Classic, scheduled for July 27th.

          “I promise that this year there will not be any rain,” said Frank R. Preble, vice chairman of the Board of Governors.

          For nearly 20 years, the shriners have been hosting the now famous all-star game as one of their fund raising events. Featured as an “East vs. West” contest, fans of both Shriners and high school athletics from all over Maine are attracted to the event.

          “It’s an amazing opportunity to support both athletic and academic skill,” said Holly Caldwell of Brewer. “As well, ticket sales from the game support the Shriners. Who could ask any more from a single event?”  

          Each year, students from Maine high schools are selected to participate in the game that many fans have come to regard as the “Super Bowl” of high school football. Both players and cheerleaders are selected to be part  of the annual gala based on athletic, academic and social accomplishments made throughout the year.

          After being recommended by local school officials, coaches and or teachers, athletes then enter the second-round of the application process in which the Shriners choose the finalists that will be participating in the game.

          Every year, lucky players and cheerleaders at the Kora Temple in Lewiston to discuss sponsorship, advertising for the game and general introductions.

          In addition, a special case story is shared with the participants in an effort to reinforce the importance of the athletes’ contribution.

          This year’s success story was that of Dan Caro, a sought-after jazz musician residing in New Orleans.

          Caro, now 28, was burned nearly to death at age two when he discovered an unattended gasoline can in a shed while his mother was busy mowing the lawn. As Caro entered the shed, the pilot light of the water heater popped on, igniting the gas fumes choking the tiny tool shed. Caro’s body was instantly covered in third-degree burns, which led to the loss of nine fingers.

          When local shriners heard of Caro’s struggle, they stepped in, offering to transport the critically burned toddler to the nation’s most advanced burn victims’ hospital.

          Twenty-five years later Caro has overcome any affliction that may have been caused by the fire and now enjoys the life of a world-renowned jazz musician.

          “I don’t know how to say what I feel about the shriners,” said Caro on Sunday. “They are the reason I am here today.”

          After a mind-blowing drum performance, Caro addressed the audience and gave a tear-jerking inspirational speech. Summing up his experience, Caro told the players, “You are your only limit.”

          After the performance, parents, players, coaches and cheerleaders gathered downstairs to enjoy an enormous spread provided by the Shriners.

          According to one parent attending the function, “This is the best time for these kids to meet each other. They are forced to break away from their groups and mingle with strangers.

          “It’s a great opportunity for these kids to branch out and make friends that they will most likely see again once they go to college.”