68 Ventures makes major impact on community with numerous events

-ARTICLE BY J. MARK BRYANT
-Lagniappe Aug 21, 2025

When most people hear someone mention the 68 Ventures Bowl, they think about the football contest played at Hancock-Whitney Stadium on the University of South Alabama’s campus.

However, the bowl organizers are busy throughout the year. Being a community partner in area activities is part of the game’s core mission.

“While the game itself is a big event, the community events are the best part of our job,” John Clark, the director of operations and integrated communications, told Lagniappe.

Among the biggest off-season activities is the student art competition that officially reveals the cover of the 68 Ventures Bowl game program. Out of more than 100 submissions from middle and high school students across Mobile and Baldwin counties, 13 pieces were selected as finalists in this year’s competition.

The theme for the 2025 contest — “Adventure in Mobile” — encouraged students to capture the rich culture, history and attractions of the Mobile area. Submissions depicted a variety of iconic subjects, including Mardi Gras, downtown architecture, the USS Alabama, local wildlife, cuisine and more.

Finalists were determined by a panel of judges, with the final program cover chosen through public voting on the bowl’s social media platforms. This year’s winning cover artwork was created by Ava Lee of Fairhope High School. In addition to finalist honors, Ava received a cash award for her artwork being selected as the official program cover.

All placing students and honorable mentions received cash awards, bowl game tickets and prizes. Furthermore, first through third place winners in each category secured additional cash prizes for their respective school art programs.

Among the art competition’s top finalists were:

Sixth – Eighth Grade Category: First Place: Aiva Agato, Barton Academy; Second Place: Emily Andrews, Barton Academy; Third Place: Cecilia Rodriguez, Barton Academy; Honorable Mentions: Serenity Dalton, Gulf Shores Middle, and Violet Thompson, Causey Middle.

Ninth – 10th Grade Category: First Place: Therese Mulroy, Barton Academy; Second Place: Amiah Miles, Barton Academy; Third Place: Magda de Haart, Barton Academy.

11th – 12th Grade Category: First Place: Logan Otero, Theodore High School; Second Place: Katsiaryna Lepshaya, Baker High School; Third Place: Thomas Wolf, Theodore High School; Honorable Mentions: Ava Lee, Fairhope High School, and Peyton Humphrey, Davidson High School.

This year, the 68 Ventures Bowl contributed a total of $3,000 to support student artists and school art programs. Since the competition’s inception in 2007, a cumulative $34,800 has been awarded to local schools through this initiative.

YOUTH GOLF CLINIC

Earlier this summer, boys and girls in grades 3 through 8 took part in the inaugural 68 Ventures Bowl Youth Golf Clinic, which was hosted in partnership with Topgolf Mobile. The free clinic provided a unique opportunity for more than 200 local youth to learn the fundamentals of golf in a fun and engaging environment.

Participants received instruction from the golf coaching staff from the University of Mobile, along with local PGA professionals. Throughout the morning, attendees were introduced to swing mechanics, proper technique and basic strategy, helping both beginners and experienced young golfers further develop their skills.

“It was so fun to see the kids out here and have a good time,” University of Mobile head golf coach TJ Jackson said. “They got to eat a little bit and swing a little bit, and despite the weather, you were inside, so it worked out perfect.”

The event aimed to introduce the game to children who may not otherwise have access to golf, while also supporting skill advancement for those already familiar with the sport. In addition to expert instruction, each participant received a complimentary round of miniature golf at Topgolf and lunch provided by the 68 Ventures Bowl.

Colin McKern, PGA head professional at Azalea City Golf Course, said, “It was fantastic. To see all these juniors out here today, it’s absolutely amazing. The future of golf.”

The clinic is expected to become an annual tradition celebrating youth development and community engagement through sport. It will join other sponsored events such as the Mobile County Spelling Bee and a youth soccer clinic.

The bowl’s staff and C Spire have sponsored the “1st & 10” club meetings for more than two decades. The series of meetings features a lineup of guest speakers that includes sports celebrities, media personalities and college and professional football coaches.

Earlier this month, the scholarship program began accepting applications. They are awarding five scholarships this year. The program is open to high school seniors in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Visit 68VenturesBowl.com or call 251-635-0011 for more information. The submission deadline is Sept. 30.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

The annual 68 Ventures Bowl is officially set for Wednesday, Dec. 17, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN. The matchup will feature teams from the Sun Belt Conference, Conference USA or the Mid-American Conference.

“This is our third year sponsoring, and the game always provides a viral moment to shine the spotlight bright on our bowl,” 68 Ventures Chairman Nathan Cox said. “The 68 Ventures Bowl is more than football. It’s about celebrating great people and organizations doing incredible things in the service of something bigger than themselves.”

Celebrating its 27th anniversary, the 68 Ventures Bowl has a proud tradition of showcasing top-tier college football talent. Since its inaugural game on Dec. 22, 1999 — when TCU defeated East Carolina 28-14 — the bowl has become a staple of the postseason lineup.

“The 68 Ventures Bowl is thrilled to bring fans together during the holiday season to share in the excitement and tradition of college football while highlighting the bowl’s lasting impact on the community,” 68 Ventures Bowl President Jerry Silverstein said.

The past three years have proven to be some of the most thrilling in the bowl’s history. In the 2024 game, Arkansas State secured a hard-fought 38-31 victory over Bowling Green in a game filled with highlight-reel moments, including fake punts for touchdowns and blocked field goals.

Over its history, the 68 Ventures Bowl has been known for high-scoring, competitive matchups. Two of the highest-scoring games in NCAA bowl history have taken place in Mobile: a 63-44 Toledo victory over Arkansas State in 2005 and Marshall’s dramatic 64-61 double-overtime win against East Carolina in 2001.

To contact Mark, email sports@lagniappemobile.com