Add Chad Hays to the list of four high school football players with Lawrence ties who will play in the July 28 Kansas Shrine Bowl.

Hays didn’t play for Lawrence or Free State High. The senior quarterback/ defensive back played for Uniontown – about 20 miles outside Fort Scott. His father, Frank Hays, along with his stepmom, Patty Hays, reside in Lawrence, though. Hays visits his father and stepmom in Lawrence at least twice a month.

“I like the college town,” Hays said of Lawrence. “We’re huge KU fans. We’re always by the TV. Actually, my dad and I are heading to Chicago in a month for the NCAA Tournament.”

Hays lives with his mother, Kelly Hall, and his step dad, Leroy Hall, in Mapleton.

Hays was one of 68 players selected to the Shrine Bowl, a charity game that benefits Shriners Hospitals for Children. Free State High’s Ryan Murphy, Mikel Ruder and Kyle Weinmaster were selected to play in the game, along with Lawrence High’s Nathan Padia.

“I wouldn’t be able to do it without my teammates and coaches,” Hays said. “We came a long way.”

Uniontown won a combined three games during Hays’ freshman and sophomore year. Since then, the Eagles went 7-4 his junior year and 9-2 this past season. Uniontown lost in the second round of the Class 2A state playoffs.

“We’ve watched him play since he started as a freshman,” Patty Hays said. “He’s also been an outstanding academic student, earning straight A’s all the way through high school. And I’m his stepmom, so what I’m saying is not just a proud mom bragging. I’ve been married to his dad for 10 years and I’ve been amazed with Chad ever since I met Frank.”

In fact, Hays is so close to his family that he had four parents by his side for senior night.

“I didn’t want to leave anyone out,” Hays said of his step mom and step dad. “I’m grateful that I have a good family.”

On the gridiron, Hays received first team All-Three Rivers League and Kansas Class 2A All-State honors. He received a scholarship to play football next year at Pittsburg State. He said he’d likely play quarterback or wide receiver.

Hays said he hoped to meet new friends and network with different people at the Shrine Bowl. As for his selection, his father was more than confident that Hays would play in the Shrine Bowl.

“Frank reserved a room even before Chad got selected,” Patty Hays said. “That’s how much confidence he had. He took him to the Shrine Bowl a year before in Wichita and told him that he’d be a part of this next year. We’ve sent out invitations to relatives. We’ll have a tailgate party before the game.”

The game will take place at Fort Hays State University.