Former Free State High football standout Joel Spain will put on the pads for the last time in the Kansas Shrine Bowl, which starts at 7:05 p.m. Saturday at Fort Hays State University.

Spain, who will play college baseball at Cowley County Community College, will suit up at cornerback for the East squad.

“Last time I’ll strap up the pads and definitely a good way to go out,” Spain said. “I just want to make the most of it and hope that we come out with a win.”

Spain traveled with his team to Hays last week to prepare for the game and visited one of the Shriners Hospitals for Children on Thursday.

“It was a great experience and really opened my eyes and, I know, some of the other players’ eyes about what we’re really playing for — and that’s the kids,” Spain said. “It was awesome. Each one of them had their own special talent, if you will, and they showed us and shared their story. It was just amazing to see these kids with so-called disabilities being able to do amazing things.”

Spain was a second-team All-Sunflower League selection last year for his play at cornerback, recording 37 tackles, four interceptions and six pass breakups. He also played wide receiver and caught 29 passes for 596 yards and five touchdowns.

He will be joined on the East squad by Wellsville grad Brett Osbern and coach Brad Burkdoll. During two-a-day practices at camp this week, Spain bonded with his teammates.

“I didn’t know too many of the guys,” Spain said. “But you get to room with them, and you go to two-a-days with them, and you eat with them and spend every day with them. So you get to share fun stories, and they’re all interested in the same sports you are, so it’s really easy to connect with some guys and make a good friend group.”

Spain said he’s excited to suit up for his last football game. His former teammate, Keith Loneker Jr., was selected as his team’s MVP at last year’s Shrine Bowl.

But after his visit to the Shriners Hospital, the game means even more to Spain.

“It really shows you that you’re raising money for the kids,” Spain said. “It’s a big thing for them. Everyone was really thankful to us and I mean, we’re just playing a game for them. It makes you want to go out there and play hard and then, obviously, you have some Shriners that you want you to win the game, so you have to win it for them.”