On Friday, Oct. 24, the Del Mar College Turkey Bowl will return for the first time since 2015. It will take place at 12:30 p.m. on the Heritage Campus Kinesiology Track. Valdar’s Vikings and the Helm Holders will compete in a four-quarter flag football game to determine the winner.
According to Margot Sorrell, who has served on the Turkey Bowl planning committee since the first game in 2008, the bowl has had a long history and a few different names. It began as a game between the English and Math departments and continued until 2010. Then, in 2012, it became the Viking Bowl, a competition between East and West Campus. That continued until 2015.
“The most exciting part? The camaraderie! It’s fun to connect with colleagues and students in a relaxed setting,” Sorrell said.
Over 120 faculty and staff members from over 40 different departments across all Del Mar campuses registered to participate. And this is more than just a flag football game.
For students, there is a tug of war, a football target challenge and a best Viking costume contest. Sign-ups for these activities will occur at the Turkey Bowl and there will be prizes for winners. Students may also participate in a raffle hosted by the Del Mar Foundation Office.
Even if you aren’t a student, there are still activities to join. There will be tailgating and food, student club and organizations will have concession stands and you could stay and watch the game, which fans describe as “high-energy.”
Every year a bowl is held, attendance tends to grow. The planning committee hopes to continue this trend.
“Who will reign supreme — Valdar’s Vikings or the Helm Holders? Coaches volunteered, players signed up, and teams were drafted. The competition will be fierce, and the outcome is unpredictable!” said Sorrell.
