April 2, 2007
Sports page 1C

Lessons to be learned at Lobster Bowl
   TRAVIS LAZARCZYK Staff Writer LEWISTON -- Messalonskee High School seniors Nick Ouellette and Luke Thomas arrived at the Kora Shriners Temple on Sunday morning like most of the other football players and cheerleaders. They expected a short presentation on the Shriners Hospitals for Children and to meet their teammates and coaches. After they listened to Dan Caro, the pair knew they were part of something more important than a football game.

"I was unbelievably impressed. I wasn't expecting this at all. It definitely gives you encouragement," Ouellette said. "It touched me right in the heart."

"We didn't expect it to be that powerful," Thomas said.

Caro was treated for life-threatening burns at the Shriners Hospital in Boston when he was 2-years-old. Caro, now 27, lost his fingers in the accident. By fastening drumsticks in wristbands, Caro is now an accomplished professional drummer and plays regularly with jazz bands in New Orleans.

As a film detailing Caro's life ended, the curtains on the stage pulled back to reveal Caro, who played a drum solo before addressing the crowd.

"This isn't just a regular all-star football game. This has a specific purpose. When you sign on to a Shriners-sponsored game, you're working alongside the Shriners and their objective. These guys really do have a big responsibility," Caro said. The 18th annual Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl will be played on July 27 at Waterhouse Field in Biddeford. Last year, the East defeated the West 22-21. The West leads the series 14-3. The game has raised more than $313,000 in support of Shriners Hospitals over the years, with the 2006 game bringing in $26,000.

"The Shriners do a fantastic job with these hospitals and to have the kids learn that firsthand is a tremendous lesson," said Skowhegan head coach Mike Marston, who has been an assistant coach in the Lobster Bowl many times and will be the East's head coach this year. "Plus, it's a great time to work with the other coaches from around the state. It's a great cause and I enjoy it very much."

"(Caro) was incredibly impressive and motivational," Thomas said. "Just to be considered for this game is an honor, and it's even better to get in. Everyone here is a great player and they deserve to be here."

After Hurricane Katrina, Caro was displaced to Brooklyn, N.Y. He recently moved back to New Orleans. This was the second time Caro has spoken to the participants of a Shriners football game.

"They're young, they can do it, and it's a good way to break into adult life, to show compassion and fellowship with your fellow man," Caro said. "I hope that these guys do well."