Free State High’s Bob Lisher has been named head coach of the East squad for the 2006 Kansas Shrine Bowl all-star high school football game.

Lisher, who has been the Firebirds coach since the school opened in 1997, is the first city coach to be tapped a Shrine Bowl head coach since the contest debuted in 1974.

Lisher was an assistant coach in last summer’s game. He also was an East aide in 1997.

Lisher’s son Brett and Nick Ayre, another Firebird, have been selected to play for the East squad, along with Lawrence High’s Brandon Lassiter and Scott Penny. Also named to the East squad were Tonganoxie’s Kent Fleming and Thatcher Starling of Wellsville.

Next year’s game is scheduled for July 29 on the Pittsburg State University campus.