The primary MISSION of the Maskat Shrine Oil Bowl Game has always been to raise money to help  children with orthopedic and burn injuries.  “Strong legs run, so weak legs may walk” has been the motto of the Oil Bowl ever since the Maskat Shrine Center of Wichita Falls, Texas, came up with the idea of staging this game every summer. Beginning with the Seventy-fifth game in 2012, net proceeds go to Shriners Hospitals for Children.  Please visit their website for more information about the great work Shriners Hospitals do to “help the children.”

From 1945 through 2012, with the exception of one year, the format was  Texas vs. Oklahoma.  The top high school players from the two states went head-to-head every June for football bragging rights.  The game format in 2013 was East  vs. West Texas.  Beginning with the 2014 game, players will be coming from Texas and surrounding states.

Many Oil Bowlers have gone on to be stars in college and professional football. Steve Owens went from here to win the Heisman Trophy. Others such as Jack Mildren, J. C. Watts, and Steve Largent have not only made names for themselves in football but also in politics.The game has also featured some coaching legends, both in the high school and college ranks.  Texas high school coaching legends such as Gordon Wood, Joe Golding, and G. A. Moore all have coached in the Oil Bowl, as well as Grant Teaff (Baylor), Matty Bell (SMU), Blair Cherry (Texas), Dutch Meyer (TCU), and Jess Neely (Rice).  Another coaching legend, Hayden Fry once played in the Oil Bowl.

Since its inception, the Oil Bowl has raised thousands of dollars for less fortunate children. From 1945 through 2011 (except for one year) net proceeds were divided between Texas and Oklahoma with Texas’ share going to the North Texas Rehabilitation Center in Wichita Falls and Oklahoma’s share going to the Oklahoma Coaches Association charities.  As stated above, beginning with the 2012 game, all net proceeds go to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Another change happened in 2014.  Oklahoma chose not to participate any longer and the game became a regional contest between East and West Texas players.  Wichita Falls is the northcentral  point of the region.

Because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the 2020 Maskat Shrine Oil Bowl Classic was cancelled.  Also, in 2020, the event became a fraternal fundraiser for the benefit Maskat Shriners.