Page 52 - December 2021

Turkey Bowl tradition in 015 plays on
Officers in 015 traded their blue uniforms for black jerseys and called themselves the “Austin All-Stars" for the BUILD Chi- cago Turkey Bowl at Columbus Park on Nov. 24.
Warm food and hot cocoa kept the players warm for the pre-Thanksgiving flag football tradition. Officers engaged in friendly trash talk with players from BUILD Chicago, a gang in- tervention, violence prevention and youth development orga- nization.
“It’s all fun and games,” said 15th District Youth Officer Wil- liam Martinez. “It’s more about just coming out and building relationships with the community.”
The officers were down in the beginning 14-16, which prompted the scoreboard runners to make fun of them while the young players laughed. But the Austin All-Stars quickly flipped the score and came out on top.
“Of course, I was like, ‘Hey, well, what’s that score again?” Martinez joked. 'I want to hear you say it.’ They rubbed it in our faces, then we ended up winning 26-16.”
The Austin All-Stars moved on to the championship round. They surrendered the title to the Moore Park All-Stars team. While they may have lost, the officers won the hearts of the youths.
“It made us realize that we are older and can’t play two games in a row,” Martinez admitted. “But it was a good game. Our youth were out there cheering for us.”
Martinez explained that the game allows officers to let people
see them outside the uniform, which is the best part. Commu- nity members and younger residents have a chance to watch officers, dressed just like them, drop a pass or get intercepted.
“When they see you on an even playing field, for some rea- son it opens their eyes,” he said. “Like yes, we’re human, we play sports. Yes, we do miss free throws.”
The Austin All-Stars don’t play to win, but they do take pride in their team. And they’ll jump at any chance to participate in a football game while engaging with the youths.
“It was a great experience of working with the community,” Martinez relayed. “And if any organization or school challenges us, we’ll come ready.”
52 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ DECEMBER 2021