TOY BOWL

By Anne Baggett
MOBILE—The 74th Annual Toy Bowl Classic campaign, games and festivities proved to be a banner year for the young participants and adult volunteers. Leading  the way in the  fund-raising activities that garnered over $90,000 for the support of CYO activities were Toy Bowl Queen Caroline Elizabeth Howell and King Elliot Brooks Adams of St. Dominic School; First Lady to the Queen Teresa Madeleine King of St. Ignatius School; Second Lady to the Queen Louise Harmon Largue and Knight Xavier Francis Montague of St. Mary School; and Lady Lilly Anne-Marie Heller and Knight Brady Sebastian Sparks of Corpus Christi School and the 154 eighth-grade members of the Toy Bowl Court.
Activities began Monday, October 24 with the flag football, soccer and football playoffs at the Oscar H. Lipscomb Athletic Complex in Mobile.
The celebration continued with Toy Bowl Mass for the Court members at St. Mary’s Church. Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi was the main celebrant and homilist. Fr. Bry Shields, President of McGill-Toolen Catholic High School and Pastor of St. Ignatius Parish was con-celebrant.
Archbishop Rodi encouraged the young students in his homily “To use their talents of mind, heart and soul. To not be envious of other’s talents but to discover their own and use them for good in serving others.”
Following Mass, the court members processed to McGill-Toolen Catholic High School for the banquet festivities. The group were welcomed by emcee Pat Greenwood, University of South Alabama director of multimedia, corporate sales executive. The invocation was given by Father Bry Shields.
David Weems, executive director of the CYO, thanked all the student participants, parents, coaches, teachers and administrators for all they do  to support the Mission of the CYO.
Following the dinner Pat Greenwood introduced the keynote speaker Judge Edmond Naman, Presiding Judge of The Mobile County Juvenile Court and member of St. Mary’s Parish. Judge Naman’s heartfelt message encouraged the young people present remarking “As you walk down that field on Saturday … I pray you will have a fun and memorable day – I pray that you will walk in the knowledge that you are continuing a tradition that began many years ago – A tradition that someday … God willing … will be continued in your children and grandchildren. A walk that not only represents your participation in this year’s Toy Bowl Court but represents a much more important milestone in your life … and in the life of the Catholic community. You are beginning your new life as a young Catholic adult. You are taking with you on that walk everything you have learned, everything that has been sacrificed for you, and all the hopes and dreams and love that have been given to you. Most importantly God will be walking with you.
“I pray that you will allow Him to continue with you on this walk … you need Him. Your walk is our future. And as I look out among you – I have no doubt our future is bright.”
This special evening was closed with a prayer by Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi.
Toy Bowl Week continued with playoff games to determine the finalists for Saturday’s Classic and some final games for the younger athletes. Cheerleaders participated at all games full of enthusiasm and spirit as they encouraged their teams to give it their all.
Saturday morning Toy Bowl Classic day arrived under cloudy skies and the threat of storms. The National Anthem was sung by court member Kate Scot Hayes of St. Ignatius School. The games commenced with eager determination and spirit by all the participants.
Halftime festivities began with a Memorial celebration honoring Mrs. Pat Dumas, former CYO Executive Secretary who died this past Spring. Mrs. Dumas’ family members present were Vincent and Michele Dumas, Raymond and Monica Dumas, Tony and Tricia Dumas; grandchildren Elizabeth Dumas and Megan Hines; and great grandchildren Sawyer, Charlie and Dottie Hines.  
Following the Memorial, the 2022 CYO Toy Bowl Court presentation began. Fr. Patrick Arensberg, pastor of Corpus Christi Parish, and 2021Queen Lila Baggett and King Brayden Hicks greeted each couple. Fr.Arensberg crowned Queen Caroline and King Elliot. The cheerful enjoyment of the Court’s Ladies dressed in vivid colors escorted by handsome knights set the tone for a truly joyful celebration of the CYO youth program.
We are all indebted to David Weems, Executive Director of the CYO and Stephanie Stokes, secretary, along with the many selfless volunteers, coaches and supporters for carrying on a tradition they all will remember and we look forward to next year’s 75th Celebration of the CYO Toy Bowl Classic.

BOX SCORES – of Finals
Football Finals
Division 6 Tackle Football
St. Mary School-20
Christ the King School-6
Division 2 Flag Football
St. Ignatius School Gold-14
St. Ignatius School White-49
Division 4 Flag Football
Christ the King School-34
St. Ignatius School Green-12
Soccer Finals
Division 2 
St. Mary School Blue-4
Corpus Christi School-1
Division 4
St. Mary School-2
St. Dominic School-0
Division 6
Christ the King School-2
St. Ignatius School-1