Athletes Compete In Victory Bowl To Help Pay Off Catoosa Schools' Lunch Debt

The 3rd annual Victory Bowl at Catoosa High School showcases semipro football talent while raising funds to eliminate student lunch debt, aiming to collect over $4,000 this year.

Thursday, October 17th 2024, 5:29 am

By: Jonathan Polasek

CATOOSA, Okla. -

Some of the best semipro football players in the region are getting a shot at making professional indoor football teams during the 3rd annual Victory Bowl at Catoosa High School. However, it's more than just a football game.

While you'll see these players duke it out on the gridiron, you'll also be helping a good cause.

The money raised through admissions will be going toward eliminating student lunch debt at Catoosa Public Schools.

As far as the fundraising efforts go, Chris Dodson, one of the event's coordinators, said organizers saw a need to help pay off student lunch debt after the COVID funding that provided free meals for students ended.

"We wanted to provide something that was really important not only for us, but for the community and for the kids. We figured that was the one place where we could start with and maybe build upon it. Maybe we could take care of the entire school lunches for everybody, no questions asked. That was kind of our goal as we start to progress to that. We really care about the kids too," Dodson said.

Last year, the Victory Bowl raised about $3,000 to pay off student lunch debt. The goal this year is to raise at least $4,000.

As for the game itself, athletes are drafted for this charity game to showcase their skills in front of scouts or coaches from teams like the Tulsa Oilers. The athletes get to have some fun as well by going through a draft ahead of the game.

While the game is a showcase for the players and it helps pay off student lunch debt, the game has a big impact on Catoosa as a whole.

"This is a far superior location to begin with honestly. Great field. You have a lot of entertainment. You have hotels. It’s great meeting point being right off I44 for a lot of these guys that are coming from eight states," Dodson said.

The Victory Bowl kicks off at Catoosa High School's football stadium on Sunday, October 20 at 3 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids. First responders and active military get in for free.