Del Mar College community celebrated flag football rivalry, new traditions at the annual Turkey Bowl, held on Oct. 23

Article by: Richard Guerrero, Jr.

Event was designed to resemble homecoming by adding “King and Queen of Turkey Bowl” crowning to fun halftime activities, along with canned veggie drive to help fill Valdar’s Market

It was a competitive match-up, but in the end, Valdar’s Warriors held on to its lead over the Helm Holders to take the Turkey Bowl trophy home for the second year in row. The final score was 35 (Valdar’s Warriors)-21 (Helm Holders).

Viking spirit ran high during Del Mar College’s annual Turkey Bowl, which was held Oct. 23 on the Kinesiology Track field on Heritage Campus.

The highly anticipated rematch pit the Helm Holders against reigning champs Valdar's Warriors in a friendly but fiercely contested battle on the flag football field for Turkey Bowl supremacy.

Coaches Dr. Kristy Urbick, Department Chair of Kinesiology and Education, and fellow faculty member and Assistant Professor of Education Dr. George Woods led the Helm Holders while Assistant Dean of Student Engagement and Retention Omar Villarreal and Gillian Benedetti, Director of Student Success Coaching, guided Valdar's Warriors on the field.

A spirited 12-member cheer squad kept the crowd energized from kickoff through the final whistle with guidance from Cheryl Sanders, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, and Corporate Services team member Dezorae Orta.

Fans enjoyed all the pageantry of a championship game day. Music major Alyssa Presas performed the national anthem before kickoff, and Dr. Gerald Napoles, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, took part in the ceremonial coin toss and presented trophies and championship rings to the winners after the game.

Adding to the stadium atmosphere, Dr. Carlos Garanzuay, Assistant Professor of Speech, served as the event's announcer and play-by-play caller, bringing every big play, momentum swing and scoring drive to life for spectators. 

On the field, Paul Creacy, Department Chair of Air Conditioning, Aviation and Automotive, and Program Coordinator/Instructor of Building Trades, and Purchasing team member La Vockea Wallace officiated the game while Del Mar College EMT students stood ready to provide first aid support for players and fans. Blue Bear, the mascot for Turkey Bowl sponsor Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, was also on hand to help build excitement throughout the event.

The excitement didn’t stop between downs. Student organizations operated concession stands throughout the event as fundraisers to support club activities and student engagement efforts. Participating groups included the Cyber Security Club, Education Society, OTA/Hot Shots and the DMC Math Club.

During the halftime break, a new tradition was launched with the crowning of a Turkey Bowl King and Queen. Dr. George Woods was crowned King and Cynthia Arbuckle, Giving Campaigns Manager in the DMC Foundation, was crowned Queen.  

This year's Turkey Bowl also introduced the Veggie Bowl, a canned vegetable food drive benefiting Valdar's Market, giving attendees an opportunity to support fellow students while enjoying the day’s festivities. Fans will also had a chance to cool off with complimentary Kono Ice.

The event was the result of a campuswide collaboration involving College Relations, Facilities, Risk Management, Campus Safety and Security, DMC Information Technology, Intramural Sports, Student Engagement and Retention and the Viking Social Committee, said Rita Hernandez, Dean of Student Engagement and Retention. The collective effort reflects the same teamwork and determination that participants will display on the field. 

“Whether they're cheering from the sidelines, volunteering behind the scenes or battling for victory on the gridiron, Vikings can expect an afternoon packed with spirited competition, memorable moments and plenty of Turkey Bowl tradition,” Hernandez added.

While it hasn’t always been played, the Turkey Bowl’s origins extend back 18 years. The first iteration was a flag football game organized between the English and Math Departments and held annually from 2008 through 2010. 

In 2012, the tradition returned as the Viking Bowl, with East Campus taking on West Campus in an annual match up through 2015. The College brought the game back in 2025 as the Turkey Bowl, led by the Department of Student Engagement and Retention Services and other campus leaders. Valdar’s Warriors won last year’s game against the Helm Holders, 28-14. Valdar's Warriors player and IT Helpdesk Coordinator Gabe Perez was named Most Valuable Player. 

To relive Turkey Bowl 2025, visit the following archive page in Viking News to see photos and a video clip.