The Turkey Bowl: 47 Proud Years by Peri Hayes The annual Turkey Bowl is recognized for 47 dedicated years of recreational football. My Uncle, Bob Hayes, expresses, “We’re very proud of it.” He is one of the founding members, along with Larry Coates, Jamie Hennessey, Gerald Hikele, Pete Lynch, Walt Molinaro, Wade Walker, Brad Ward and Mike Yurek. Bob played as corner linebacker and offensive guard during his high school career, his passion outweighing the severe injury which he suffered in his Grade 13 year. While a number of individuals played together in secondary school, there are others who have seized the opportunity to experience football first-hand through the Turkey Bowl. This relaxed and wholesome game has been held at Pinafore Park and V.A. Barrie Park over the years, with Athletic Park being their present setting. They play in teams of two, recognizing upward of 30 participants in the Turkey Bowl’s prime and all four of the Hayes brothers playing simultaneously. The group emphasizes the ways in which this game is played for pure enjoyment and is suited to physical limitations in a zero-pressure environment. Stephen Hayes, wearing #32 in the slotback position during high school, has been immersing himself in the Turkey Bowl for over 30 years. He is a devoted example of travelling from out of town for this Thanksgiving tradition. There have been several jerseys customized over time, the first being the colour gold to symbolize those who Print Ad Registration Tuesday Nov. 5 to Tuesday Dec. 10 We respectfully request that donations be made by November 29 if at all possible. Visit us at: www.christmascarestthomas.com Memorial Arena, 80 Wilson Ave, 519-637-0710 If you need our services, register at the arena. Bring all ID and register early. Visit us at: www.christmascarestthomas.com. Registration Nov. 9 to Dec. 10 Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Elgin Centre Mall 519-637-0710 We are especially in need of: peanut butter / jam, cereal (no sugar please), fruit / pudding cups, canned meat/fish, hearty soups / stews, canned vegetables, pasta / sauce, jello, dried soups, stuffing mix, kraft dinner, Lego, science kits, craft kits, baby toys and novels. Donations of food and new, unused toys can be dropped off at the auditorium or at drop boxes around town including Elgin Centre. Please consider donations of club packs or cases of food as this requires less sorting than individual packages. Please also consider monetary donations as with bulk We are especially in need of: Peanut butter/jam cereal (no sugar please) Fruit/pudding cups Hearty soups/stews canned meat/fish canned vegetables Pasta/sauce jello Soups purchasing we can stretch our grocery dollars (buying a skid of dressing is cheaper than individuals donating a box each). Watch for us at the Santa Claus Parade! Interested in volunteering? We especially will need drivers this year. stuffing mix KD If you need our services, you can register at the mall. Bring all ID and register early. Donations of non-perishable food, new toys and money will be accepted at the Elgin Centre Mall or at drop boxes around town. Also watch for our food drives happening this month. See us at the Santa Claus parade where donations will be gratefully accepted. Interested in volunteering? We especially will need drivers this year. Contact us if you are willing. Scan me to donate now! SCAN ME TO DONATE NOW
From left to right, players in the 2024 Turkey Bowl include: Mike Coates, Josh Honsinger, Dudley Ward, Gerald Hikele, Stephen Hayes, Brian Batzold, Bob Hayes, Dave Batzold, Larry Coates, Peter Lynch, Joel Hayes and Brad Ward. played for Central Elgin Collegiate Institute -- with their high school football numbers printed on the back -- and another sporting a visible ‘78’ to represent the year that the Turkey Bowl debuted.. In addition to these jerseys, the Turkey Bowl collection includes hats. Moreover, the group shares their plan to create an updated jersey as a means to honour the Turkey Bowl’s upcoming 50th anniversary. Larry’s son, Mike Coates, recently returned from studying abroad and played in his first Turkey Bowl this year. He details what excites him about his involvement: “That they’ve been doing this for so long, and have been so consistent meeting every year at 1:00 pm on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. It’s so cool!” Josh Honsinger is the youngest
Ice and Lounge Rentals Available
Work holiday party Team Building Business Meeting Family Celebration NOW IS THE TIME TO LEARN TO CURL! Call (519) 631-700 or email wecurl@stthomascurlingclub.com for more information. Book your next event with us!
Page 4 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • November 2024
To advertise here contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs