The Sigma Alpha Chi Spartans defeated the Chi Alpha Pi Cavaliers 3-0 in Bob Jones University’s annual Turkey Bowl soccer championship, Nov. 11. The Collegian estimates that over 1,800 students, faculty, alumni, family and community members attended the festivities.
The event marked the initial Turkey Fest, an afternoon-long celebration that featured the women’s 7-on-7 Champion’s League championship game named the Turkey Cup at 4 p.m. followed by a showcase of societies with food and festivities called the Turkey Platter that preceded the evening matchup between the top two men’s teams.
In the Turkey Cup, the Theta Sigma Chi Colts triumphed over the Nu Alpha Phi Flames. Both teams had quality seasons with 7-3 records and appeared to be evenly matched in the first half of the game. Ultimately, the Colts put together the more complete game and claimed a 6-1 victory.
The Turkey Cup champion Colts paraded into Alumni Stadium led by a fire truck to open the Turkey Bowl pregame ceremonies. Then both Turkey Bowl teams entered, walking beside the stands packed with students, faculty and alumni.
Dr. Alan Benson, BJU’s interim CEO, sang the National Anthem just before the starting lineup announcements. A Chevrolet C8 Corvette then delivered the game ball to the referees.
BJU honored all active service members and welcomed retired U.S. Army Maj. Mike Griffith, who served in the military for 23 years, for the game’s coin toss.
Just three minutes into the game, the Spartans scored the first goal following a pretty pass inside the box setting up Simon Fickle for a close shot which snuck by the Cavs keeper Conner Smith. Fans cheered loudly and clanged together thunder sticks in the stands.
The Spartans defense held strong against the relentless Cavs attack and maintained their 1-0 lead until halftime. During halftime, the Colts were recognized as the Turkey Cup champions and were presented the Turkey Cup. Each participating player received a rose.
One minute into the second half, the Spartans won a penalty kick from a foul during a corner kick. Ashur Stevens took the penalty kick and smoothly put it away in the bottom right corner of the net, increasing the Spartans lead to 2-0.
With five minutes to go, the Spartans put a cross in the middle of the field, which bounced around for a few seconds before Paul Thompson shot on goal. The shot was beautifully placed in the top right corner well beyond the Cavs keeper’s reach.
Time ran out on a hard-fought game by both teams. They shook hands and the Spartans received the Turkey Bowl trophy.
Sigma captain Theodore Romeiser said, “We had total faith that we would go out there and take care of business. Both our mentality and our gameplay were at its peak, so we just went out there and executed. I’m just proud of how we played as a team.
This was a hard-fought, well-played season filled with many closely contested games leading up to the Turkey Bowl.
“There were many more competitive teams this season than in past years,” Romeiser said. “But each game gave us an opportunity to build mounting improvements, and I think we truly reached a peak toward the end. One of the big ideas of our season was ‘persistence,’ and I think we earned that word.”
Sigma will look to build on its success this year and bring home another Turkey Cup next year.
