UHCL Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Chili Cook-off
JESSICA ALCOCER
THE SIGNAL
Get out your parachute pants, leg warmers and everything neon. One of UHCL’s longest standing traditions is bringing us back to the ‘80s: UHCL will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its Chili Cook-Off this year on April 15.
The Student Life Office began the Chili Cook-Off in 1988. The cook-off has evolved throughout the years by adding new events, creating different themes, donning countless outfits and making many memories.
Although chili is the main ingredient in this event, there is something for everyone. A live band, Molly and the Ringwalds, will be performing on-site along with plenty of food and drinks. A moonwalk, mechanical bull, sports challenge, and bungee run combo will be there for kids and adults alike to enjoy.
Acting Director of Student Life Andrew Reitberger has been with the university 16 years and has been involved with running the Chili Cook-Off for 10 years.
He has innumerable memories, one including a DeLorean making an appearance at a past cook-off. Also memorable is the daunting task of planning an outdoor event in the ever-changing Texas weather.
After hearing that the weather is frequently terrible for the cook-off, Reitberger pushed on with what he thinks was the 2006 cook-off.
“It doesn’t rain on my Chili Cook-Off,” Reitberger insisted.
As he predicted the cook-off came and went without a single drop, but it ended up raining in the surrounding areas.
He also has some favorite costumes competitors have worn in past years.
“One year the Art Association dressed up in their prom dresses, I thought that was hilarious,” Reitberger said.
Competition is a definite dynamic at the cook-off. Reitberger says there is usually a good amount of trash talking.
Don’t Mess with Tetris is the cook-off name for the Orientation New Student Programs office (ONSP). This will be their first time competing at the Chili Cook-Off. Graduate assistant at ONSP Kristen Skipper, biology pre-med major, is confident her team will win the cook-off.
“We’re going to be the dark horse; nobody’s going to see it coming,” Skipper said. “Just let everybody know they better watch their backs.”
Pranay Roy, computer science major, is competing with the Indian Student Association (ISA). He believes the association has won a couple of awards in the past, but this is Roy’s first time competing. ISA’s team, named SHOLAY, is counting on spice to take their team to first place.
“This time we’re going to win,” Roy said. “I am sure of that.”
Awards are at stake at the cook-off; they range from best chili to favorite booth and the chili-makers want to win. Those judging the chili are selected from students, faculty and staff to provide an even playing field.
Specific measures are taken to ensure a fair competition. The judges’ identities are kept secret so they will not be influenced by the various groups vying for first place and bragging rights. The sample cups given to the judges are identical in appearance and they even taste the chili in a secret location.
Those competing this year will have to bring their A-game if they want to impress the judges. Reitberger insists the judges do not have mercy on bad chili.
“There is really no favoritism, they are brutally honest,” Reitberger said. “If it’s bad, it’s bad.”
Last year’s Chili Cook-Off was the launch of Hunter the Hawk, the university’s first official mascot. This year’s festivities will celebrate Hunter’s first birthday.
Jonathan Zophy, professor of history, has been with UHCL for 25 years and insists his favorite event is the Chili Cook-Off, which is why he hasn’t missed one yet.
“Favorite memory, a toughie, but I liked the introduction of Hunter the Hawk last year,” Zophy said. “I have also enjoyed the camaraderie of being part of a chili team, win or lose, it is a lot of fun.”
You never know what will happen at the 80s Edition of The Chili Cook-Off. We might even go back to the future in a DeLorean.
The cook-off stands as a staple of UHCL’s history. It promises good company, a good time and good food. Leg warmers are not required.
The cook-off will be held Saturday, April 5, from noon to 4 p.m. on SSCB North Lawn. Tasting kits will be available at the Student Life booth. Prices are $4 with a UHCL ID and $5 without a UHCL ID. The tasting kit includes three cups from which tasters can sample chili and vote for their favorite peoples choice team. The event will not be held if there is inclement weather.
