Illinois High School Shrine Game

Darth Winkler Service Award

Honoring the memory of fellow Mohammed Shriner Darth Winkler, the first Shriner ever to play in the Illinois High School Shrine Game.

Darth passed away on September 2nd, 2015 in an automobile accident. He was a member of Lewistown Lodge 104 and of the Mohammed Shrine. He is survived by his parents, Noble Coach Darren Winkler and Esther, and his brothers, Noble Dalton and Noble Dane.

Darth was a young man of high character on and off the field — always polite, always “Yes sir” and “No sir.” He excelled in the classroom and had just graduated from Beloit College, where he played football and ran track. Darth was the appointed apprentice to one day become Game Chairman of this signature event for the Shriners of Illinois, and he helped out whenever he was called upon.

“We all miss him and his famous Mohawk and smile each and every day.”
Eric Tjarks, Game Chairman

Past recipients

  1. 2024
    • Joe HuntNormal University High SchoolRed team
    • Trevor SchuetzLake Zurich High SchoolBlue team
  2. 2023
    • Harrison MeyerSandburg High SchoolRed team
    • T. J. KleinTri-Valley High SchoolBlue team
  3. 2022
    • Marques CovingtonKankakee High SchoolBlue team
  4. 2021
    • Nick LegnaioliRichmond-Burton High SchoolRed team
  5. 2019
    • Cade EddingtonRochester High SchoolBlue team
  6. 2018
    • Blake WittmanJersey Community High SchoolRed team
  7. 2017
    • Kyle PurdyBismarck-Henning High SchoolRed team
  8. 2016
    • Wyatt FishelArcola High SchoolRed team