Nineteen years after playing in the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl, Joel Stoneton will be a head coach in the game.

As a tight end recently graduated from Winthrop High School, Stoneton played in the 1993 game, helping the West earn a 35-12 win over the East in the annual game played to raise money for Shriner’s Hospitals.

“For me, the whole week was just a great experience,” Stoneton said. “I wish every kid in high school could experience it.”

Recently, Stoneton, now Winthrop’s head coach, was selected to coach the West in this year’s game. The 23rd annual Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl will be Saturday, July 21, at Biddeford’s Waterhouse Field.

David Hainer, head coach at Mattanawcook Academy in Lincoln, will coach the East. The West won last year’s game, 16-13, and leads the series, 16-6.

Stoneton served as an assistant coach for the West in 2009. Joining Stoneton on the West coaching staff is offensive coordinator Kevin Cooper, Bonny Eagle; Mark Bonnevie, Spruce Mountain; Stacen Doucette, Lisbon; Tim Roche, Wells; Jim Aylward, Mountain Valley; Dave Jones, Fryeburg; Bryan Dionne, Boothbay; and Ron Ross, Traip.

“You learn a lot coaching with all those guys,” Stoneton said. “One of my goals was to be involved in the Lobster Bowl as a coach. It feels like a really great honor.”

Along with Hainer, the East will be coached by defensive coordinator Dave Sterling, Edward Little; Chris Bartlett, Belfast; Danny White, Foxcroft; Matt Friedman, Madison; Dan O’Connell, John Bapst; Bill County, Lewiston; Mike Marston, Skowhegan; and Jack Brady, Mt. View.

Players, cheerleaders and parents will meet Sunday, April 1, at the Kora Shrine Temple in Lewiston. Players and cheerleaders will receive administrative, fundraising, training camp and game information.

Travis Lazarczyk — 861-9242

tlazarczyk@centralmaine.com

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