Touchdowns, shaved ice and rings: these are a few of the things spectators could catch a glimpse of at Del Mar College’s annual Turkey Bowl, a friendly flag football competition that takes place every fall on campus.
Begun in 2008, the tournament took a 10-year hiatus starting in 2015 before coming back strong in 2025, and organizers expect to continue as an annual tradition. Dean of Student Engagement and Retention Rita Hernandez said the event is a way for students and staff to collaborate over a friendly game of flag football and just have some fun outside of the workplace and classroom.
Assistant Professor of Speech Carlos Garanzuay was the announcer on the mic, providing entertaining and informative play by plays of the match. Prior to the start, Music Major Alyssa Presas performed the national anthem.
The event took on a new halftime tradition, the naming of a Turkey Bowl King and Queen. Those crowned were Assistant Professor of Education George Woods and DMC Foundation Giving Campaigns Manager Cynthia Arbuckle. Also featured was a dance by a cheer squad led on by Cheryl Sanders and Dezorae Orta.
The two teams featured a mix of staff and faculty, including the departments of Student Engagement, Advising staff, Speech professors, and several directors. Valdar’s Warriors were coached by Omar Villarreal and Gillian Benedetti. The Helm Holders were coached by Kristy Urbick and George Woods. Each side consistently traded touchdowns, interceptions, and field-long runs in a thrilling match, but Valdar’s Warriors came out victorious, defeating the Helm Holders 35 – 21.
Hernandez also touted Del Mar’s many planned events for the rest of the semester.
“We’re just getting started,” she said. “We’ve got Viking Fest, the welding competition, and Dia De Los Muertos.”
