A revived campus tradition brings together faculty, staff and students in celebration of DMC’s 90th anniversary.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — For the first time in nearly a decade, Del Mar College’s faculty and staff returned to the gridiron Friday for a friendly game of flag football — a long-lost tradition now rebranded as the Turkey Bowl.
The event, held on the Heritage Campus, marked not only the comeback of the campus rivalry but also a celebration of Del Mar’s 90th anniversary. More than 120 employees took part as players, cheerleaders, referees and volunteers, while students led fundraisers, performances and tailgate festivities.
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The Turkey Bowl’s origins trace back to 2008, when the English and Math Departments squared off in a lighthearted flag football game. The competition grew into an annual “Viking Bowl” before fading out after 2015. Now, thanks to feedback gathered from faculty and students earlier this year, the event is making a full-fledged return.
Director of Del Mar’s Stone Writing Center Linda Eubank said the idea to bring back the game surfaced during a campus meeting last summer.
“They said the number one thing students and faculty wanted to bring back was the Turkey Bowl, so we decided then to start pulling it together,” Eubank said. “This is our 90th anniversary here at Del Mar, and so this is a good way to celebrate by bringing the football game back.”
The revived matchup featured two teams, Valdar’s Warriors and the Helm Holders, chosen through a draft of faculty and staff from across the Heritage, Windward and Oso Creek campuses.
Even though the game hadn’t been played in ten years, the enthusiasm was undeniable — from the players to the fans, and especially the referees.
“21–14 blue, if you not here you missing out baby! Wooooo!” said referee and Spirit Coach LaVockea Wallace, while throwing a flag fervently into the air.
The Warriors jumped out to an early 12–6 halftime lead and never looked back, cruising to a 28–14 victory. But according to Warriors Head Coach and Director of the Student Success Center Omar Villarreal, the win was earned long before kickoff.
“I wanted to make sure that my team actually reserved the gymnasium,” Villarreal said. “On Fridays after work, even though we didn’t have to spend any more time in the office, we came into the gym for two hours. We ran drills, we practiced plays, throwing, catching, diving, sprinting. We did all of that so that we would be prepared for today and that we can take home the championship once again.”
That preparation, Villarreal added, included keeping one key weapon under wraps, standout receiver Albert Hernandez, a long-distance runner who turned heads with his speed.
“He was in our back pocket,” Villarreal said. “We didn’t want to reveal the secret too soon, but when it comes time to score, we got to have our strongest, best players out there, and everyone has a role.”
Because even in a friendly faculty flag football game, it’s not just about the Xs and the Os, it’s about the Jimmys and the Joes.
While the game was the day’s highlight, the event also included a 90th Birthday Tailgate Party with cupcakes, hot dogs, a piñata, student fundraisers and even a “Best Viking” costume contest. The Collegiate High School Dance Team performed at halftime, and DMC students led a “Victory Lap” around the running track to celebrate midterm success.
Rita Hernandez, Del Mar’s Dean of Student Engagement and Retention, said the Turkey Bowl is a showcase of teamwork, spirit and student involvement.
“Students are playing an integral role by providing logistical support to ensure Turkey Bowl 2025 is a successful event,” Hernandez said. “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.”
She added that reviving the game was about more than friendly competition — it was about honoring the college’s legacy.
“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,” Hernandez said. “May the best team win.”
As the Warriors hoisted the newly minted Turkey Bowl trophy, players and spectators alike were already looking forward to next year, proof that some traditions are too good to stay buried.