More than 250 guests attended the 2024 edition of this annual event, while 11 teams put their chili-cooking skills to the test. The judges panel (listed below) included 2024 Paris Olympics High Jump Silver medalist Shelby McEwen. The event also featured live music by the Chris Castaneda Trio and DJ sets by Trade Entertainment.
Check out the judges panel, award winners, and full list of participating teams below!
Judges Panel
- Celebrity Judge: Shelby McEwen 4x U.S Champion; 2024 High Jump Olympic Silver medalist; 2x Olympian; #2 in the world; Professional Jumper for Nike
- Stefany Records, Executive Director, Administrative and Finance
- Dr. Dan Maxwell, Interim Vice President for Student Success & Student Life
- Dr. Bonnie Blumberg, Lecturer
- Miguel Herrera, SGA Treasurer
First Place
Gator Bayou Cookers
Advancement & University Relations
Team Captain: Michael Manuel
Second Place
Dia de los Gators
Environmental Health & Safety / Facilities
Team Captain: Adam Valdez
Third Place
UHD Bike Club
Student team
Team Captain: Lex Perez
Best Dessert
Gator Bayou Cookers
Advancement & University Relations
Team Captain: Michael Manuel
People’s Choice Chili
Hells Chili
Student team
Team Captain: Iker Pelcastre
People’s Choice Décor
Dia de los Gators
Environmental Health & Safety / Facilities
Team Captain: Adam Valdez
Participants
|
Team Name |
Department/Organization Name: |
Team Captain |
Team Co-Captain |
|
1. Gator Bayou Cookers |
Advancement & University Relations |
Michael Manuel |
|
|
2. Bad Rumor Kookers |
Alumni |
Victor Landin |
Marie Olivier |
|
3. Chili Reaction |
Natural Science |
Courtney Cain |
Bruce Greer |
|
4. Walker's Chili Crushers |
Urban Education |
Demi Walker |
Jordyn Walker |
|
5. UHD Staff Council |
UHD Staff Council |
Adrian Bermudez |
Jr Sears |
|
6. Urban Cowboy Cookers |
Alumni |
Albert Alonzo |
Zach McKay |
|
7. Code 1 Chili Cookers |
Police |
Imelda Rodriguez |
Vanessa Gay |
|
8. Hells Chilli |
Students |
Iker Pelcastre |
Samantha Pueblos |
|
9. UHD Bike Club |
UHD Bike Club |
Lex Perez |
Mauricio Perales |
|
10. Dia de los Gators |
Environmental Health & Safety / Facilities |
Adam Valdez |
Abraham Flores |
|
11. The Spice is Right |
UHD Human Resources |
Cece Booty |
Eric Morales |