Staley and Bazuin Invited to Shrine Game

MOUNT PLEASANT - Central Michigan University seniors Daniel Bazuin of McBain (Mich.) High School and Joe Staley of Rockford (Mich.) High School have been invited to play in the 82nd East-West Shrine Game Jan. 20, 2007. The college all-star game will be played at Reliant Stadium in Houston, home of the NFL's Houston Texans.

Daniel Bazuin and Joe Staley will become the first Chippewas to appear in the Shrine Game since Scott Rehberg in 1996.

All proceeds from the Shrine Game benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children. The Shriners 22 hospitals across North America have treated more than 770,000 children at no cost.

The game also serves as an important scouting tool for NFL organizations; over 300 general managers, coaches, personnel directors and scouts are expected to be in Houston for the week of practices leading up to the game, as well as the all-star contest itself.

Bazuin has developed into one of the top defensive players in the nation. The 2005 Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Year, he finds himself on the preseason watch lists of five major national awards in 2006. He is also a first team preseason All-America pick by Athlon Sports.

Bazuin holds CMU career and single season records for sacks and tackles for loss. His 16 sacks in 2005 equaled the MAC single season record.

Staley is entering his third season as a starter at tackle. He made the move to left tackle in 2005 and did not allow a sack during his junior season. Originally recruited as a tight end, Staley weighed in at 300 pounds at CMU's junior pro day last winter, then proceeded to run the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds. He was a preseason first team All-MAC selection by Athlon Sports.

CMU opens the 2006 campaign on Thursday, Aug. 31, hosting Boston College at 6 p.m. ESPN2 will televise the contest live to a national audience.