Timeline: UHCL’s longest tradition

The 29th annual Chili Cook-Off took place April 7 at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Started 30 years ago, the chili-cook off has remained the school’s longest tradition. The very first chili cook-off took place in 1988, however one of the cook-offs was canceled due to bad weather making this year its 29th anniversary. Students, faculty/staff and the entire community get involved in the popular event. To learn more about the Chili Cook-Off and other Student Life events, visit the Student Life Twitter Page

In 1988, the chili cook-off was created as an event made to foster a greater sense of community on campus. The cook-off was a way to bring students, faculty and staff together in an fun and exciting way. The event was such a success, that not only did students and staff got involved but the entire surrounding community.

The five-year anniversary of the Chili Cook-Off took on an “eat your heart out theme.” Various teams put forth their best chili recipes and showed their team spirit. The event featured musical guest, Fahrenheit, a popular performance group in the bayou city, and a softball tournament.

The 6th annual Chili Cook-Off was held in the UHCL Developmental Arts Building Pavilion and featured a softball tournament as well as a faculty and staff vs. student volleyball tournament.

The 10th Annual Chili Cook-Off featured live music from longtime local music group the Bay Area Bluegrass Association. Teams served up chili to guests while enjoying the musical performances.

The 11th Annual Chili Cook-Off was “heatin’ it up a notch” to celebrate the new millennium. The cook-off featured a moon walk and a musical performance from Grupo Batcha.

The 15th Annual Chili Cook-Off featured six university offices and 13 student organizations making up a total of 18 competing teams. The cook-off had five categories: SGA Award; 1st, 2nd and 3rd place Judged Chili Awards; Spirit Award; Most Popular Chili and Most Popular Booth. First Place Judged Chili went to “Hillbillie Hayven,” who also won SGA Award.

The 20th Annual Chili Cook-Off featured the theme “to the 20th degree.” Teams served up spicy chili recipes like the Hispanic Advancing Culture and Education student organization’s spicy Italian turkey chili. Later in the day, the hot chili eating contest commenced. Initially, contestants were given small portions of chili with equal amounts of hot sauce added. The varieties included Frank’s Xtra Red Hot and Dave’s Insanity Sauce, which is made from habanero peppers.

The 22nd Annual Chili Cook-Off highlighted more than just chili. In 2011, UHCL alumnus Amanda Floyd of Mixing House LLC made this 3x3 foot cake representing the pond on campus and the wildlife that has made its home at UHCL.

The 24th Annual Chili Cook-Off was a landmark event. Hunter the Hawk made his first flight appearance, quickly winning over the hearts of students and staff as their new favorite mascot. The large turnout was the perfect venue for Hunter’s debut appearance.

The 25th anniversary of UHCL’s Chili Cook-Off took on an '80s theme to continue the school’s longest tradition. Teams and guests got in the spirit by dressing up in their best vintage attire. “The Brat Pack," “Gadgets and Gizmos” and “Super Ninfriendos” were some of the featured '80s teams.

The 2015 Chili Cook-Off was canceled due to weather conditions. Nevertheless, The Office of Student Life still gave competitors the chance to bring their chili creations in for tasting and judging. This year, the UHCL Police Department won the prize for Best Chili.

The Chili Cook-Off not only holds competition for the Best Chili recipe, but for best booth theme as well. In 2016, “Netflix and Chilli” won for Best Judged Booth.
Other creative themes in 2016 included “Bahamas Mamas” and “It’s a Small World.”
“The booth themes were really creative this year, it was the best part,” said UHCL Communication Major Nicole Helpensill. To view all the teams from 2016, click here.

The 2018 Annual Chili Cook-Off marked Hunter the Hawk’s fifth birthday. The rare April cold front did not stop teams from showing their enthusiasm, and the competition was fierce.
“Our chili is really classic; we stuck to the basics and made it our way,” said Nick Rutledge, president of Legal Studies Association.
Rutledge's team,“The World Series Champs” team came in 2nd place while “HAACwarts School of Advisory & Wisdom” took the top spot as 1st Place Judged Chili.

The 29th Annual Chili Cook-Off continued UHCL’s longest tradition. A number of teams competed and guests filled up on chili. Hunter the Hawk turned five and the cold weather did not stop teams from showing their spirit. In the end, it was “HAACwarts  School of Advisory and Wisdom ” that came out on top. To see winners and photos of the 2018 Chili Cook-Off, visit the Student Life Facebook Page.