Valdar’s Warriors battled their way to victory as they defeated the Helm Holders 28-14 in Del Mar College’s first Turkey Bowl since 2015. Held on Friday, Oct. 24 at the newly renovated track and turf field on the Heritage Campus, the flag football event helped commemorate the 90th anniversary of Del Mar College and was filled with free food, music, exciting football, raffle prizes, and a piñata as well as events and awards for everyone who wanted to show up and be involved.

Valton Stinson, Director of TRIO Support Student Services and SSS Stem led the way for Valdar’s Warriors with a big interception and a score as he showcased skills that had been locked away for years. “I think the last time I played anything competitive I was 28 or 29, it’s always fun to be competitive but at the same time, you don’t want to hurt yourself,” Stinson said about getting back on the football field.

Despite making some of the biggest plays in the game, when looking back on his favorite moments, Stinson was more satisfied with how his team came together to culminate a victory. “Personally, probably getting an interception. But I think it’s really everybody coming together as a team.”

He detailed how the team held only a few practices and they were hard for some to attend, including himself, because of conflicts with his work schedule. But they overcame that obstacle and showed great teamwork on offense as they scored first with a touchdown pass to Chad Hector, who tiptoed around a diving defender to get into the endzone.

The Helm Holders would answer with a touchdown pass to James Smith before Valdar’s Warriors turned on the pressure by scoring again to take a 12-6 lead at halftime. Both teams showcased great catches, team chemistry, and impressive stamina as players were energized and trying their best throughout the final play of the game.

Valdar’s Warriors used multiple quarterback runs to gain important yards while the Helm Holders employed an all-women offense in the second half. The interception by Stinson became a key to lock up the game as it would allow them to score back-to-back touchdowns, which proved to be the difference in a 28-14 win.

Before the game, Intramurals held a passing challenge for any students that wanted to sign up on-site, as well as a tug-of-war competition. Aaron DeLeon showed impressive accuracy as he put three consecutive footballs into netted pockets with ease and took the victory in the passing challenge. Afterwards all students were invited to participate in an inaugural walk around the track to signify their victories to this point in the semester and the hope to have success in their lives after they graduate college.

The teams were selected in a new format from past Turkey Bowls held at Del Mar. Rather than having faculty and staff face off, or pitting different departments or campuses against each other, this year’s eligible players signed up and then were all placed into a pool where coaches took turns drafting fellow staff and faculty members.

Kristy Urbick, interim Dean of Dual Enrollment and Associate Professor of Kinesiology as well as one of the coaches on the Helm Holders spoke on the goal of bringing back the Turkey Bowl. “I think the main goal is to bring back that sense of belonging on campus, and so this is a great way for staff, faculty, and students to get involved together and have fun.”

Others signed up to help with food, cheerleading, and broadcasting to make sure the event was enjoyable for everyone who attended. At halftime they announced the winners of the raffle and had dancing performances from the cheerleaders and multiple Del Mar students who came up with their own routines.

Teams showed good sportsmanship afterwards by making lines and saying “Good game” to each other before having an awards ceremony with pictures, medals for the Helm Holders and championship rings along with the Turkey Bowl trophy for Valdar’s Warriors. Everyone who attended then came inside to have more fun and food, including a special cake decorated to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Del Mar College.