Sports : Tranel, Burnside invited to play in 2012 Iowa Shrine Bowl

Vinton-Shellsburg's Gunner Tranel has been invited to play in the 2012 Iowa Shrine Bowl.

One of the state's leading rusher's and one of its leading tacklers -- both from area high school football teams -- have been invited to play in the 2012 Iowa Shrine Bowl.

Vinton-Shellsburg's Gunner Tranel, the leading tackler in Class 3A, as well as one of the leading VS rushers, has been invited to play in the game, which takes place July 21, at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames. This year is the 40th Annual Shrine Bowl.

Union Running Back Wes Burnside, who led his team to the Class 3A State Title and was named captain of the Class 3A All-State Team, has also been invited.

The team rosters will be finalized during the first week of 2012.

Gunner's mother, Kathy Tranel, said she did not know yet what position Gunner would be playing. Those assignments will be announced after the rosters are finalized.

Both Tranel and Burnside are also discussing their football future with several college coaches.

About the Shrine Bowl

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 in Iowa.

The players are selected by a process of nomination by coaches, balloting by state-wide sports media professionals, and official invitation from a representative of the Iowa Shrine Bowl.

The Iowa Shrine Bowl produces this game each year. The game brings honor and recognition to the players, their schools and their communities. It has also been an effective tool in raising money for Shriners Hospital For Children.