All in the family: History of the Shrine Game runs deep for the East

An invitation to play in the Montana East West Shrine Game is a football player’s dream. “To play in this game it’s a really big honor. Being around on the sidelines since I was a little kid, and every year they would talk about who got picked for the Shrine Game. This year I finally got picked, and it was a big honor for me,” said CMR Safety Tucker Greenwell. “I was super excited to play in this game,” added Billings Central Center Maverick Roberts. “It really tells you that the hard work you put in throughout the season and the off-season really paid off and people are recognizing you for all the hard work.” But for Tucker Greenwell and Maverick Roberts the Shrine Game has been an important part of their lives since they were born. “My mom’s brother, he played in ‘91 with Dave Dickinson,” said Greenwell. “And then actually on my dad’s side, my grandma’s dad played in the 1947 Shrine Game.” “My dad played back in ‘90 for the West,” added Roberts. While representing their school and their family is an important part of the week, the two players say they know Saturday’s game is bigger than all of that. “You know, the game is bigger than ourselves,” added Roberts. “We play for all those who don’t have the opportunity to do what we do, and we just hope to recognize them, and play for them.” “I think my family loves helping other people, and being able to come out here and help raise so much money for those kids and the hospital and everything, it warms my heart,” said Greenwell. And as they take the field this weekend, both Tucker and Maverick will hold on to generations of knowledge and advice. “Just keep putting in the work. Put your foot on the line and just keep grinding and work through all the adversity you face,” said Maverick “[My uncle] said just have fun with it, you know?” said Tucker. “Don’t worry so much about playing. Have fun, go down and meet new people and just know what you’re playing for.”