Emporia ? The choice was never baseball or football, state tournament or all-star game.

No, when Brett Lisher decided to participate in Saturday’s Shrine Bowl – instead of joining his state-bound Lawrence Raiders’ baseball team – it came down to something much deeper.

Play for himself, or play for others.

“It took some thinking, but when I have a chance to come out and play for all these kids in this hospital and raise a bunch of money for them, it’s a pretty easy decision,” Lisher said. “Yes, state’s there, and I don’t want to let them down for baseball, but they’re doing fine without me.”

None will be prouder of the 2006 Free State High alumnus than his father, Bob, who will also guide Brett from the sideline as coach of the Shrine Bowl’s East squad.

The two discussed the dilemma even before Brett was nominated for the team.

“He thought it would be quite an honor,” Bob said, “to give back to the game that he’s loved for so long.”

The Shrine Bowl raises around $120,000 per year for the Shriners’ hospitals, which provide free health care for children. These hospitals currently serve around 950 patients in the state of Kansas, with the game providing $2.25 million in its 32-year history.

Though the game is still football – and the hitting is still real – it’s numbers like those that have helped Brett keep perspective during the week’s festivities.

“You want to want to win these games, but when you think about it, it’s not all about you,” Brett said. “It’s about those kids in those hospitals and all the money you’ve raised for them.”

Brett is scheduled to miss at least the first two games of the Kansas State Class AAA Legion tournament.

The Lawrence Raiders – who have won three consecutive state championships – will open play against the host team, Salina.

Games start today, with contests possibly running through Tuesday.

Though the plan is for Brett to stay in Pittsburg on Saturday night after the game, don’t be surprised if he makes the 285-mile trek to Salina in time for Sunday’s action.

“I’m sure I’ll be able to find my way there,” Brett said, “if we make it that far.”

The same Raiders’ baseball team held Brett out of early-season football practices at Free State last year. The Raiders competed in the Mandan, N.D., regionals from Aug. 11 through Aug. 16 after winning the state title.

There were no regrets then, and Brett said there are certainly no regrets now.

“When you have an opportunity like this,” Brett said, “it’s kind of hard to pass up.”