Legends of the Sun Bowl

Tomi Rystad 2021

Provisions Volunteer Tomi Rystad, who became the first woman to ever be inducted as a Legend of the Sun Bowl. Mrs. Rystad was inducted during her 40th year as one of the leaders of the Provisions Committee and has made this a family affair as her husband volunteered for many years in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s while her children and grandchildren are currently helping out as well.

“Without passionate people like Tomi Rystad and her family, we could not provide the best hospitality in the bowl business,” Olivas said. “Tomi Rystad has really taught her family what it means to be committed and we are grateful for their commitment to the Sun Bowl Association.”

This year marks the 40th anniversary of something that began as a favor to a friend and has grown into an annual event for the Rystad family. They have joined countless others in making their own special contribution to what the Sun Bowl is known for, its hospitality.

“This is such an honor,” Rystad said. “A special thank you to Bernie [Olivas] and John Folmer for this gift and for being the first woman nominated. We really didn’t know what we were getting ourselves into when we first started doing this but to see our family grow with the Sun Bowl has really been a joy of my life.”

Tomi’s son, Allen, is now the head of the Provisions committee and is guided gracefully by his mother. The Provisions Committees that are seen all across the bowl industry, would not exist without the vision and commitment of Tomi Rystad and here family.