Rose Bowl Institute Announces Sportsmanship Award and Scholarship Winners at the 77th Annual Turkey Tussle

PASADENA, Calif. – [November 5th, 2024] – The Rose Bowl Institute was proud to present its annual Sportsmanship Award and scholarships as part of the historic 77th Turkey Tussle, held at the Rose Bowl Stadium on Friday, November 1. This spirited football game, a long-standing tradition between Pasadena High School and John Muir High School, recognized two exceptional student-athletes, one from each school, who exemplified outstanding acts of sportsmanship during the game.  This is the fourth year of the RBI’s Sportsmanship Award and scholarship at the Turkey Tussle.

This year’s Rose Bowl Institute Sportsmanship Award and scholarship recipients are Christopher Solis (Pasadena High School) and Keyon Mills (John Muir High School).   

“The Turkey Tussle offers an ideal opportunity to honor students who play with heart and demonstrate respect for everyone involved,” said James Washington, President of the Rose Bowl Institute. “Their dedication and sportsmanship inspire us all to embrace the joy of the game while valuing our teammates, opponents, and officials. These young athletes remind us that the true spirit of competition lies not just in winning, but in how we conduct ourselves on and off the field. By celebrating their achievements, we reinforce the importance of integrity and respect in sports, fostering a positive culture that benefits our entire community.”

A selection committee reviews the actions of the student-athletes from both teams during the game to select the award recipients – one from each participating school. This year’s committee members included Mayor Victor Gordo, Councilmember Justin Jones, PUSD Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco, Rose Bowl Institute President, James Washington, and Director of Community Relations, Dominick Correy.  

Each year, the Rose Bowl Institute takes great pride in supporting its community by championing the core values of appreciation for the game, team commitment, respect for opponents and referees, adherence to the rules, and personal integrity. These principles are at the heart of the Institute’s mission to promote good sportsmanship both in sports and in life.

The award recipients not only exemplify these values during the Turkey Tussle but also serve as inspiring role models for their peers. By demonstrating respect, fairness, and integrity on the field, they showcase what it truly means to play the game with honor. The Rose Bowl Institute believes that fostering these qualities among young athletes helps build a foundation for positive character development, encouraging them to carry these principles into all aspects of their lives. Through these awards, we celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and the impactful lessons it imparts to our community.

As an organization that has reached thousands locally, nationally, and internationally with its programming since 2020, the Rose Bowl Institute is deeply committed to giving back to its community and inspiring future leaders through its focus on teamwork, respect, and character. The Sportsmanship Award represents a core aspect of this mission, encouraging young athletes to embrace these principles on and off the field.

The Rose Bowl Institute welcomes fans, families, and the community to join in continuing to celebrate and perpetuate the values of sportsmanship and community spirit exemplified at this year's Turkey Tussle on a year-round basis.