San Francisco, CA – Lehigh senior tight end Adam Bergen and several other collegiate standouts have been hard at work in preparation for the 80th annual East-West Shrine Game, which takes place on Saturday at SBC Park. The All-American will represent the East team in the showdown that benefits Shriners Hospitals for Children nationwide.
The Seaford, N.Y. native led the Mountain Hawks and was fourth in all of the Patriot League with 54 catches for 634 yards and eight touchdown receptions. Bergen’s 54 receptions on the season were more than twice as many as the next two Lehigh receivers combined. The 6-5, 260-pounder also led all I-AA tight ends in both receptions and receiving yards.
Since season’s end, Bergen has been named to The Sports Network’s I-AA All-America first team, the Associated Press I-AA All-America first team, and the American Football Coaches Association of America (AFCA) Division I-AA Coaches’ All-America Team. Bergen was also recognized as an ECAC All-Star and a I-AA.org All-Star. Bergen concluded his Lehigh career with 149 catches for 1736 yards and 17 touchdown catches.
Several other stars will be participating in Saturday’s contest. Purdue quarterback Kyle Orton will get the start for the East team under center, while the service academies are represented by fullback Kyle Eckel (Navy) and linebacker Greg Washington (Army). On the west squad, schools from the Big XII, Big Ten, and Pac 10 will all be represented in the game.
Bergen and the other participants in this year’s game have been in San Francisco since January 8, working out and getting ready for the game. In addition to practice and other team functions, the players have also spent time at Shriners Hospital of Northern California, located in Sacramento.
The East-West Shrine Game has been played every year since 1925. The 2005 contest will take place at
SBC Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. Kick-off is set for 2:00 pm ET, and the game will be televised live nationwide on ESPN.
