The Turkey Bowl began at Oakridge Elementary School, where every Thanksgiving the 5th graders face the 6th graders in a game of flag football. It's a safe bet each year that the 6th graders will win, in fact I don't recall any year that the 6th graders lost, until....I was in 6th grade. We did our best, but Aaron Parker and his athletic fellow 5th graders came out victorious.
The Turkey Bowl took a break for a few years, presumably for Chris Sikes to lick his wounds and get over the humiliating defeat, before the game was begun again. This time it was held at Fort Scott Park, the crowd had expanded to some TJ Jr. High guys and assorted bouncers, and there weren't any flags. We tried other venues over the years, but we kept getting kicked out, so Fort Scott Park has become the official home of the Turkey Bowl. "Touch" football quickly turned to tackle, but everyone was still in their prime, and up for the challenge. We had a few injuries along the way, but they served the important purpose of determining when the game would finally end. 2006 saw the introduction of jerseys and flags, which seems to have helped lessen the number of injuries, and increased the amount of running involved.
In the beginning, we had some folks from the neighborhood who would come out and watch, and over the years this group has changed into wives and babies (and me), but we're no less dedicated in our questioning, "Are you done yet?". Though lately it's been more likely that the players are asking that question, as they struggle to keep up the pace. I'll post any spectator pics I have so we can document and appreciate those who stood in the cold and rain to watch these guys run around.
I have taken many Turkey Bowl team pictures over the years, and it is my goal to have them all here, so we can watch as the guys get more and more out of shape. You will have to be patient with me, as this will involve a lot of research and using my mom's scanner, but I'll do my best to get it done soon.
