CASPER – Big Piney High School graduates Zack Murphy and Reuben Stoutenburg represented the Punchers with class and grit at the 51st Annual Shrine Bowl at Natrona County High School’s Cheney Alumni Field in Casper on Saturday, June 8.

Murphy and Stoutenburg both played for the South Team pitted against the North Team at the all-star athletic event. The coaching staff from both teams selected the best graduating high school football players from across either the southern or northern regions of Wyoming to fill theShrine Bowl rosters.

Murphy played on the South Team’s D-line as a defensive tackle while Stoutenburg served on the South Team’s offense as a receiver.

The final score on Saturday favored the North Team by a 45-7 margin, although the points tally came in second place to the true meaning of the Shrine Bowl. The all-star football game is an opportunity for graduated seniors to showcase their skills on the gridiron one last time before taking their next steps in life. The event also raises funds and awareness for the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Athletes arrived on the Sunday before the big game and stayed in Casper for an intense week of practices. Players also visited kids who benefitted from treatment at Shriners Hospitals. The week culminated with media day and photographs on Friday and a parade on Saturday before kickoff.

The South Team’s head coach – Russell Stienmetz of Torrington – praised the athletes on the team for the effort they put in over the course of the week.

“It’s fun to work with a group of talented seniors,” Stienmetz said. “Each athlete was able to pick things up so quickly and the kids each adapted well. This was a great week.”

Murphy and Stoutenburg both played for the Punchers all four years of their high school careers.

Murphy excelled on defense and played as a lineman on Big Piney’s offense as well. During his senior year, Murphy posted 107 defensive points and collected 59 tackles, including 7.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. Murphy also caught one interception.

Stoutenburg served the Punchers as a running back on Big Piney’s O-line and a linebacker on defense. Stoutenburg made a statement on the Puncher offense over the course of the 2023 season for his ability to churn up the yards.

Stoutenburg averaged 114.6 yards per game in rushing and 141.7 all-purpose yards per game for season totals of 1,146 rushing yards and 1,417 all-purpose yards.

Murphy and Stoutenburg both garnered 1A 9-man All-State and All-Conference accolades in 2023. Murphy also earned the 1A 9-man Lineman of the Year Award.