Young Alums in Tight Race with Fordham Prep

Members of the Classes of 2002-16 have risen to this year’s inaugural Turkey Bowl Challenge—but with a slim 12-donor lead and just six days to go, we need more Sons of Xavier to help us beat the Rams twice on Thanksgiving Day.

The challenge pits Xavier against Fordham Prep in a competition to see whose young alumni will support their alma mater in greater numbers leading up to the 93rd annual Turkey Bowl, which will be played on November 24 at Fordham’s Jack Coffey Field. Xavier came back from a 31-9 deficit after the first week of the challenge to lead Fordham Prep 90-54 after the second. Now the race is neck and neck, with Xavier holding a tight 122-110 lead.

The idea behind the Turkey Bowl Challenge is simple. Any alumnus from the classes of 2002-16 who gives a gift to Xavier by Wednesday, November 23, counts as one point. One gift of any amount to any fund during that window of time is all it takes. Each donor will only be counted once, no matter how many gifts are made, so it's important for as many Sons of Xavier as possible to be involved. In addition to www.xavierhs.org/give, young alums can make gifts on Venmo. Our username is @XavierHS. Just be sure to include your name and class year so we properly credit you for your gift!

Anthony Pucik '12, a recent graduate of Fordham University who now works at ABC News, has been a key volunteer for his class, which trails only the Class of 2009 in total gifts. "My classmates have responded the way Xavier men always do, with open minds and open hearts," he said. "Once I saw my class hadn't given in the challenge yet, I messaged all my friends to do what they could to help, and we all stepped up and gave donations."

"Xavier is important to me because it made me the person that I am today," Pucik continued. "Xavier prepared me for the working world because it helped me with my time management, and also prepared me to be the best possible worker I can be, by showing me dedication, attention to detail and above all compassion." 

We're hoping more young alumni like Anthony Pucik will help us win the most points and emerge victorious. A Turkey Bowl Challenge trophy will be presented at the game, and there is a friendly wager between the two schools that will involve an exchange of neighborhood delicacies and spirit wear.

Sons of Xavier from 2002-16: Make your gift today, and help spread the word to your classmates!