GENDER BOWL - BATTLE OF THE SEXES 2005
In 2005 Donna joined a select number of players from the DC Divas, Pittsburgh Passion and local California teams to participate in a Reality TV show in Long Beach CA called THE GENDER BOWL, produced by Joel Raatz.
The show featured former high school football stars who wanted one more shot at glory on the gridiron - 15 or 20 years after they ended their football careers. The men were selected after tryouts in the local Southern California area, but were not told who their competition would be until they met them face-to-face.
The women's team was selected from two of the strongest teams in women's football at the time, the DC Divas and the Pittsburgh Passion and added a few members from the teams playing in the local Southern California area.
Highlights of the trip included a press conference from the beautiful Queen Mary Ship in Long Beach and a Football Game at the Historic Los Angeles Coliseum. The show aired on Dish Network.
Players and coaches had a week to come together to install the offense, defense and special teams. Both teams stayed in the same hotel and tried to scope out the competition, to no avail. Practices were fun and up-beat as head coach Ezra Cooper of the DC Divas took the helm as coach of the women's team.
Playing in the LA Coliseum was awesome and meant so much to Donna as both of her parents, her grandmother, brothers and friends from high school were all able to see her in action. It was the last game mom had a chance to see Donna play before she passed away from a massive heart attack months later.
The game came down to the wire with the women scoring a TD in the final minute to tie it up only to see the men score a long TD on a run that should have been called back, as the jumbo tron replay showed him stepping on the sideline as he ran down the field... No replay was in effect and the men gladly took the victory. The women are still waiting for their rematch!
Men vs Women on the Football Field
Who says women can't play football?
Produced by Joel Raatz
"This is Our House...
No One is coming here and taking away our Manhood."
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS and GAME ACTION!
Donna Wilkinson
#Sports Analyst #Color Commentator #Public Speaker
#Two-Time Team USA Gold Medalist #17 Year Veteran D.C. Divas