Chili Cook-Off returns after two year hiatus
The longest standing tradition at UHCL, the Chili Cook-Off, returned April 2 after a two year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Twelve teams of over 100 participants competed in the 31st annual Chili Cook-Off. Eight awards were given to the various teams who participated. Participating teams included various student organizations like the Bilingual Education Student Organization (BESO), Campus Activities Board and Student Government, among others. Campus departments including Campus Recreation and Wellness, the College of Business and the UHCL Police Department also competed.
“Anytime we can get together with the students and have some fun during work is exciting,” said Toni Rico, senior academic advisor for College of Business (COB) and COB Spice World team member. “Seeing the other side of us that can get goofy and have fun builds a better relationship with the students.”
The COB Spice World team were awarded the best judged and popular vote awards for Best Spirit/Booth.
“It felt great to be recognized for all of our hard work,” said Melissa Melendez, COB academic advisor and COB Spice World team member. “There was a lot of planning, collaboration and silly ideas, and we said ‘The sillier the better, let’s just do it!’”
For many, this chili cook-off was their first time participating in the tradition.
“I was excited to participate [for the first time] in 2020 before it was canceled, so I was really happy to participate this year,” Joe Contreras, Orientation and New Student Programs student assistant and biology major, said. “It’s a lot of fun and a great way to make new friends on campus and form bonds.”
BESO won three of the eight awards given at the event.
“It feels amazing to have won so many awards at the cook-off,” said Stephanie Martinez, vice president of BESO and interdisciplinary studies major with EC-6 certification and bilingual supplement. “We worked very hard on our chili recipe, decorating our booth, and getting our costumes ready for that day. There were so many other good tasting chilis and booths. We were humbled that people enjoyed our chili and the spirit at our booth.”
The 2022 award winners are:
Popular Vote:
- Best Chili: Chili con BESO (Bilingual Education Student Organization)
- Best Spirit/Booth: COB Spice World (College of Business)
- Cook’s Choice: Chili Chili Bang Bang! (Student-led team)
Judged Winners:
- 1st Place: Panic! At the Chili Cook-Off (Orientation & New Student Programs/The Signal)
- 2nd Place: Chili Chili Bang Bang! (Student-Led team)
- 3rd Place: Chili con BESO (Bilingual Education Student Organization)
- Best Spirit/Booth: COB Spice World (College of Business)
Student Org Award (Student organization recognized for chili and spirit):
Chili con BESO (Bilingual Education Student Organization) – BESO will have a plate added to a trophy housed in Student Involvement and Leadership office.
EDITOR’S NOTE 4/25/2022: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that there was a three year hiatus since the last Chili Cook-Off. The hiatus was two years long.
