Valdar's Warriors Take Home Another Turkey Bowl Win

p-Turkey Bowl-group shot_3183

The Turkey Bowl dates back to 2008 when the English Department took on the Math Department in a flag football game. (DMC College Relations photo)
p-Turkey Bowl_3124

The Helm Holders were coached by Dr. Kristy Urbick and Dr. George Woods. (DMC College Relations photo)
p-Turkey Bowl-VW post game_3227
p-Turkey Bowl-King_Queen_3158

The Turkey Bowl King and Queen are Dr. George Woods and Cynthia Arbuckle. (DMC College Relations photo)

Valdar's Warriors have done it again! The team claimed its second consecutive Turkey Bowl championship on Oct. 23, defeating the Helm Holders 28–14 during Del Mar College's annual flag football game at Heritage Campus.

Gabe Perez of Valdar's Warriors was named MVP, helping the team hold on to the title it earned when the College brought back the tradition in 2025.

But football wasn't the only thing drawing a crowd. More than 120 employees participated in the festivities, from players and cheerleaders to referees and event volunteers. Student organizations also got in on the action, hosting concession stands to raise money for club activities.

This year's event introduced a few new traditions, including the crowning of Dr. George Woods III, Assistant Professor of EC-6TGEN and Special Education, and Cynthia Arbuckle, Giving Campaigns Manager I with the DMC Foundation, as the first Turkey Bowl King and Queen.

And in true Viking fashion, the fun came with an opportunity to give back. The inaugural Veggie Bowl encouraged attendees to bring canned vegetables for Valdar's Market, collecting 140 pounds of food donations to support DMC students.

What started as a football game between the English and Math Departments in 2008 has grown into an event involving employees from across the College.

“The Turkey Bowl is about so much more than football; it represents the movement that is the Viking Way! Building connections, celebrating one another, and creating a campus culture where we show up for each other. From our Student Engagement team, DMC Foundation, faculty, staff, and students to IT, Facilities, Campus Safety, DMC PD, Intramural Sports, our creative sign makers, Hydration Heroes, and our generous sponsor, Blue Cross Blue Shield, it takes an entire campus community coming together to bring this tradition to life. That camaraderie, collaboration, and shared Viking Spirit is what makes this event so special,” said Rita Hernandez, Dean of Student Engagement and Retention.

And with two consecutive wins under their belts, Valdar's Warriors have officially given the Helm Holders something to work toward next year.