DMC’s beloved flag football game, rebranded as “turkey bowl,” made a comeback on oct. 24
Valdar’s Warriors defeat Helm Holders 28 to 14 and earn bragging rights during first event held since 2015; Turkey Bowl 2025 part of college’s 90th anniversary celebration
Article by Richard Guerrero, Jr.
(updated Nov. 4, 2025, with video)
What began as a friendly game of flag football between the Del Mar College (DMC) English and Math Departments in 2008 soon became the annual Viking Bowl until 2015––the last time the event was held. The game returned for a new era on Oct. 24 and with a new name … the “Turkey Bowl.”
But this gridiron battle for bragging rights and claiming the customized Turkey Bowl trophy was more than just a game. It was a 90th Anniversary celebration with a Birthday Tailgate Party and fun activities for both the campus and general community to enjoy while watching DMC employees from all three campuses inaugurate the new Astroturf field that the Kinesiology and Education Department will use for intramural sports and future Turkey Bowl games.
The event began with the tailgate party, along with fundraising and other activities, at the running track next to the Kinesiology Complex and Gymnasium on the Heritage Campus.
DMC students kicked things off with a Victory Lap around the running track surrounding the playing field to celebrate mid-term success. Additionally, before game play started, the National Anthem and Del Mar College’s Alma Mater (spirit song) were sung prior to the coin toss to determine which team held the ball first.
Besides the game, half-time was just as entertaining.
Students took part in various competitions, including Tug-of-War with the winning team including Fabian Gonzales, Lawson Jones, Lauren Laurel, Troy Salinas and Victoria Vela. Winners of the Football Passing Contest were First Place winner Aaron Deleon, Second Place winner Kayla Alexander and Alexus Broome taking Third Place.
Spectators were also treated to performances by the Collegiate High School Dance Team and a DMC cheerleading squad made up of employees.
For the pigskin competition between Valdar’s Warriors and the Helm Holders, Dr. Carlos Garanzuay, DMC Assistant Professor of Speech, provided play-by-play calls during the game.
Each team featured a mix of faculty and staff from the Heritage, Windward and Oso Creek Campuses to ensure a competitive but fair contest. Coaches received a list of player registrants and conducted a “draft” to select players for each team. La Vockea Wallace, Spirit Coach with the college’s Student Leadership and Campus Life Office, oversaw the selection of referees who officiated the game.
More than 120 participants served in various roles, including coaches, team players, referees, water crew, cheerleaders, spirit team, sideline coordinators and Viking volunteers. Omar Villarreal, Director of the Students Success Center and Testing; Eric Moller, Professor of Mathematics; and Lisa Olmos, Counselor in the Counseling Center, served as coaches for Valdar’s Warriors while the Helm Holders were coached by Dr. Kristy Urbick, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology, and Welding Instructor Ryan Gutierrezor.
Organizer and Dean of Student Engagement and Retention Rita Hernandez says that various student organizations sold food and other items in the concessions area, and the DMC Foundation was on-hand to provide spirit while sharing information about how to support students and their education.
Students played an integral role by providing logistical support to ensure Turkey Bowl 2025 was a successful event. Art students designed creative run-through banners, Music students performed the National Anthem, Entrepreneurial students led concession fundraisers and future EMTs provided first aid and event support.
When the dust settled, Valdar’s Warriors proved victorious over the Helm Holders with a final score of 28-14. Albert Hernandez was the MVP for the Warriors while Sydney Saumby was the MVP for the Holders.
The college’s bowl game has an extensive history. The first iteration was a flag football game organized between the English and Math Departments and held annually from 2008 through 2010. Two years later, the Viking Bowl was launched as an annual contest pitting then known East Campus against West Campus with the last game held in 2015.
Hernandez said the idea to revive the flag football game resurfaced during employee focus groups held as part of the college’s latest strategic plan development.
Fellow Turkey Bowl organizer Margot Sorrell, Assistant Instructor in the Stone Writing Center, said that the event was all about building camaraderie. “It’s fun to connect with colleagues and students in a relaxed setting, but this game was high-energy!”
Hernandez added that Turkey Bowl 2025 was about Viking pride, teamwork, and celebration where faculty, staff and students came together to honor 90 years of Del Mar excellence.
The Turkey Bowl is a great example of Del Mar College’s commitment to cultivating our Viking culture of connectivity among students, faculty and staff with ‘Cultivate’ being one of our guiding stars of our Viking Way.
So … get ready for Turkey Bowl 2026!
Enjoy highlights from the event below:
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.
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