501(c)3 Organization
The Classic Bowl Foundation operates independently as a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax deductible.
Sponsor Fueled
All athletes who attend are not expected to pay for anything- every meal & hotel expense is covered by our sponsors.
Volunteer Lead
The Classic Bowl Foundation Board of Directors, along with the community- work hard to ensure each player and spectator receives the best experience possible.
At first, Classic Bowl was nothing more than a dream—an idea sparked by a group of visionaries who believed that the student-athletes of Northwest Oklahoma, the Texas Panhandle, and Southern Kansas deserved to be celebrated in a truly special way. In 1989, that dream came to life thanks to the dedication of men like Mike Mitchel, J. Douglas Williams, Gary Mitchel, and C.J. Montgomery, alongside educators, coaches, and civic leaders who saw the potential for something bigger than just a game. With their passion and commitment, the Classic Bowl was born.
From those humble beginnings, the Classic Bowl has grown into one of the largest high school student recognition events in the nation. What started as a single football game has evolved into a week-long festival of youth, talent, and tradition. Classic Bowl Week now features football, basketball, softball, baseball, golf, cheerleading, and band, as well as parades, banquets, award ceremonies, and community gatherings. Hundreds of graduating seniors are nominated each year, representing dozens of schools across three states. Coaches, trainers, band directors, cheer sponsors, and countless volunteers join forces to create an unforgettable experience for both the athletes and the thousands of fans who gather in Woodward, Oklahoma.
But Classic Bowl is more than competition. It is a celebration of character and spirit. Athletes are selected not just for their performance on the field, but for their leadership, their work ethic, and the positive impact they have in their schools and communities. Each year, the Foundation awards scholarships, giving young men and women the chance to pursue higher education while carrying forward the lessons they learned through sport. These opportunities ensure that Classic Bowl is not only the closing chapter of a high school career, but also the opening of new doors.
Over the years, families have shared how much the Classic Bowl has meant to them. One parent described the experience as life-changing for his son, who had suffered a devastating injury and doubted he would ever play again. Being chosen to represent his community gave him renewed confidence, lasting friendships, and one more unforgettable game to close out his high school career. Stories like these are the heart of Classic Bowl—they remind us that the event is not just about wins or losses, but about growth, healing, and pride.
Since its creation, Classic Bowl has been embraced by the people of Woodward and the Tri-State region. Voted by readers of the Woodward News as the “Best of the Best” annual event in the community, it has become a tradition that families eagerly anticipate year after year. Behind the scenes, the Classic Bowl Foundation Board of Directors, made up of local educators, business leaders, and civic champions, continues to guide the event forward, ensuring that it remains a meaningful and memorable tribute to student-athletes for generations to come.
At its core, the Classic Bowl is a reflection of America at its very best—young people competing with passion, optimism, and pride; communities coming together to support them; and opportunities created that reach far beyond the playing field. It is a living tribute to the values of tradition, excellence, community, and opportunity.
The Classic Bowl Foundation remains committed to honoring the past, celebrating the present, and building a future where every student-athlete who walks onto the field, court, or stage knows they are part of something extraordinary.