MEDINA, Ohio–The Meadow’s Turkey Bowl matchup is as traditional as Thanksgiving turkey and dressing.
“I’m used to eating the turkey and watching football,” said Harry Shock, a local businessman who played in the game. “But when driving up here…holy cow! Then I’ve seen all the kids and the band members warm up, and I was like, man, this is going to be a lot of fun. It’s a great way to give back.”
This year, Shock and 47 other men gathered to compete in a game within a game.
“To gear up for the competition, you have two approaches,” said Jay Nemeth, who also played. “Some guys will exercise and work out and some others will eat more donuts. I’m in the latter group.”
When the contest started 22 years ago, it was just a small game between four former Medina High School football players.
Yet, for the past seven years, the Medina natives have expanded it into an elaborate charity. The event has raised more than $250,000.
The group was worried about how the economy would influence this year’s contest, but were blown away by the end result.
“It’s amazing,” said Bill Meadows, a founding member of the charity event. “Last year, we had just over around $90,000. This year, we exceeded $125,000, and every penny that we raise goes to St. Vincent de Paul, and they help the neediest of the needy.”
The game continues to surprise Meadows, but other original team members say game is getting harder to play–not just because of their ages–but by the elements they face during the matchups.
“The mud,” Nemeth said. “No, I’d say the two worst conditions: last year, it was extremely wet ,and about three of four years ago, we had a foot of snow on the ground.”
The game, what they all call an ideal blend of charity and testosterone, is one tradition they’re determined to keep alive.
“We got new guys coming in, to hopefully take over the reigns here in the future,” said founding member Tom Judson. “But we’re just a gang of guys from Medina who are trying to do the right thing.”