By 3:00 pm on Friday, October 6th, students were already playing spike ball, painting faces, and enjoyed grilled burgers. The lively environment launched another memorable Bish Bowl.
This year’s Bishbowl was packed with fun events; multiple sports games such as field hockey and waterpolo, an art exhibition, a 360 photo booth experience, and bracelet making stations was more than enough to keep everyone engaged for the few hours before the football game.
The face painting booth was very popular among the students. Students from the Bishop’s Art Club helped with face painting, drawing both intricate designs such as butterflies, or more simple designs such as a football. The designs above were both painted by Yiyi Tu (‘24), a member of art club. Yiyi said, “I really enjoyed seeing the smiles on their faces after I finished.”
Another fun activity was bracelet-making. The colorful beads allowed students to harness their creativity, and many students used the school colors and letters to make bracelets that said “Bishop’s” or “Bish Bowl.”
A unique part of this year’s Bishbowl was the 360 photo booth. It was a small platform that you could stand on, with a camera that rotated around the platform three times. After, it would create a video that slowed down each time someone posed, and almost always including smiles and laughter.
There were many other activities happening on campus before the game. This year, there was a student art showcase in the student center, with many gorgeous pieces, some digital and some hand drawn, by talented artists at Bishop’s. The pieces in this photo were done by Khai Ha (‘25), Bryan Korn (‘25), Momo Yang (‘24), Leela Wainio (‘24), and Ellise Lee (‘24)
The Bishop’s Jazz Band also entertained the crowd with live music on the terrace. The music was a great source of energy and relaxation while families enjoyed meals together. Left to right: Sashi C. Jack J. Steven Y. Tyler C. Aiden A. Giacamo B. Mr. Anderson. “It was super fun jamming with the band,” Tyler Chang (‘26) said.
The food was, of course, amazing. There were hotdogs and burgers grilled by lovely parent volunteers, along with a salad bar with pasta. Pictured right to left are Ken Zhong, mom of Chris Zheng (‘27), and Melissa Murfey, mom of Carl (‘25) and Laird (‘28) Murfey. “The food was probably one of the best parts of the day. It was so good,” Kailin Xuan (‘26) mentioned.
An amazing part of Bish Bowl is always how spirited the school gets. With spirit wear, Bishop’s themed bracelets, and face-painting with school colors, the activities before the game always help the crowd get enthusiastic. The theme for Bish Bowl this year was “blackout,” so the red and gold really popped out in crowds amidst black outfits, and unified the school further.
In addition to the iconic football game, Bish Bowl includes many other games as well.
Boys JV and Varsity Water Polo attracted large crowds, as they played their best and won 18-12 (varsity) and 15-3 (JV).
Another game that attracted much of the student population was Girls Varsity Field Hockey, who won 4-0 against Clairemont high school. The energy was amazing, with tons of cheers and encouragement, and the weather was beautiful as well — foggy with a hint of sun peaking through the clouds.
The Varsity Girls Volleyball scrimmage was also very entertaining to watch. The gym was filled, as students cheered loudly for their friends. Although they played amongst themselves, their teamwork was exceptional as each side worked together and played their hardest. Paige Meyers (‘26), a member of the team, said, “It was so fun to be able to have some inter-squad competition before a long-awaited event like bishbowl!”
As 6:00 pm came around, the school got ready and gathered together on the quad. The crowd was extra loud this year, with Dungeon leaders Lexi Black (‘24), Spencer Ralph (‘24), Morgan Stoefen (‘24), and Dane Jorgensen (‘24) leading chants, and students getting more and more spirited before an all-school walk to La Jolla High School.
At the game, the energy was bigger than ever, with posters everywhere in the crowd, more chants, and this led the football team to win against Escondido Charter 48-21.
As the Varsity Football Team prepares for the game, both the players and the packed audience are filled with nerves and suspense.
Along with the game itself, the student relay race is also always highly anticipated. Students were all leaning against the banisters, cheering their grade on. The seniors won, with the juniors in second, the sophomores in third, and the freshman in fourth. The middle school grades came in fifth, sixth and seventh.
From crafts, to delicious food, to loud cheers and chants that successfully spirited the whole crowd, Bish Bowl this year was extremely memorable. The “blackout” theme was relatively easy to follow, but it is one that is hard to forget. Until next year!
