DMC’s beloved flag football game, rebranded as “turkey bowl,” made a comeback on oct. 24
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October
2025
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22:39 PM
Europe/Amsterdam
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.
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.”
Carla Gamez-Vela and Valdar
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.
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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.
Rita Hernandez, Dean of Student Engagement and Retention
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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.
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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.
Rita Hernandez, Dean of Student Engagement and Retention
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So … get ready for Turkey Bowl 2026!
About Del Mar College
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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