Chili Cook-Off: The Comeback

Lindsey Watson

The Signal Staff

Rain did not stop the spirit and fun of the 21st annual Chili Cook-Off. The day started off gloomy and overcast and by midmorning the rain started to roll in. This did not, however, hamper the participants and attendees at Chili Cook-Off Saturday, April 10 hosted by Student Life.

Chili Cook-Off made a comeback this year, since the event was not held last year due to staff shortages.

With a rock wall, two bouncy houses, karaoke and enough chili to feed an army, the day was off to a great start. While a rendition of “Summer Loving” was belted out on the karaoke machine, someone else climbed the rock wall. Children and some adults were scrambled through the bouncy house and took a plunge down the slide. The Chili Cook-Off proved to be a success come rain or shine.

“I was worried the rain would affect numbers, but we had about 300 people there including teams,” said Allison Scahill, coordinator of student life for activities and student organizations and the organizer of Chili Cook-Off. “The most important thing for me was to make sure people were having fun and that most certainly was the case.”

John Hernandez, history major, holds the 3rd Place Judged Chili trophy for NSLS.

“Chili Cook-Off’s purpose is not only to have fun, but to build the community at the University of Houston-Clear Lake,” Scahill continued. “This event provides students, faculty and staff the opportunity to bond or see each other in a different way.”

This year, 21 organizations took part in showcasing their chili for a chance at winning the coveted 1st Place Chili trophy. In the end, five teams were given various awards.

The Best Booth award was given to the School of Education Advising team. University Forest Apartments team was awarded the Cook’s Choice award.
Third Place Judged Chili went to the Chil-leaders, or the National Society of Leadership and Success team.

“We came first and foremost to have fun,” said Christopher Mathey, president of NSLS and sociology graduate student. “Everything else was a bonus. Our goal was to have fun.”

While the Chil-leaders wouldn’t reveal their secret ingredient, Mathey hinted “chocolate goes a long way in chili.”

The American Marketing Association walked away with the award for Popular Vote for Best Chili and 2nd Place Judged Chili.

“We are so proud,” said Kathleen Williamson, lecturer in marketing and AMA faculty adviser. “We have been here many years and this is our first year winning.”

The Managment Association celebrates their win for 1st Place Chili.

Their secret ingredient was “chocolate, semi sweet,” revealed by Michele Collins, AMA president.

The Management Association’s chili was also a hit, scoring them three awards at the Cook-Off; the Judged Spirit award, the SGA award and 1st Place Chili.

Ashley Powell, public service leadership student and president of the Management Association, credits her team with their success.

“I can count on all of my members to be here,” Powell said. “What we bring to the table as an organization is what we brought to the table here, at the Chili Cook-Off.”

Next year’s Chili Cook-Off is already shaping up to be an interesting one.

“We challenge the Management Association, next year, to another ‘Proud Mary’ remix,” said Jessica Gough, treasurer of NSLS and education undergraduate student.

Below is a slideshow of images from this year’s Chili Cook-Off.

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