Mavericks chow down at Homecoming Competition
Homecoming week is in full swing at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Yesterday, the Student Events Team held the annual Food Eating Competition in the Centennial Student Union. Students competed in the name of various organizations on campus and for bragging rights.
The competition occurred in the Hearth Lounge at noon, when the CSU is busiest and full of spectators to cheer on the competitors.
Before round one began, the Student Events Team introduced members of the Homecoming Court, who each represent organizations such as the Campus Kitchen, Greek Life and the Maverick Machine.
Emma Knutson is representing Tri Sigma on the Homecoming Court.
“I joined court became I think this university is amazing– the opportunities we get, the people that we meet, the places we can go– I’m glad to be a part of something so fun!” Knutson told the crowd.
Coronation for Homecoming Court will take place at the Lip Sync Battle Thursday in Bresnan Arena.
The competition consisted of two groups of competitors for round one, where three from each group moved on to the second and final round.
Competitors could not use their hands during either round to consume the food. For many, it was their first time in such a competition, although a few were seasoned veterans.
Each round lasted less than a minute with neck-to-neck leads and narrow wins as they devoured sizable portions of spaghetti. When the final six were decided, the competitors reintroduced themselves and prepared for the pancakes with syrup.
The race for first and second place was close, but freshman Jacob Godfrey emerged victorious. Godfrey entered representing the Crawford Residence Community.
“I’m the president of my floor, C4. It was the easiest way for me to be a part of the team,” Godfrey said.
This was Godfrey’s first time in a food-eating competition.
“I’ve been looking forward to this. I’ve always been a fast eater, and it was something I always wanted to try. The nerves were definitely there, but I’m very happy that I won,” Godfrey said as the adrenaline rush caused him to shake.
His strategy required him to plan ahead and his preparation that began Tuesday night paid off.
“Last night, I ate lighter so I had more room. This morning, I didn’t eat anything solid. I just had a protein shake,” Godfrey explained.
Freshman Abraham Gauthier also finished in the top three.
“I came out expecting to win– I didn’t. I got third, but I thought it went pretty good. I wasn’t thinking about it, I just tried to get it down as fast as I could,” Gauthier said.
Homecoming festivities continue into the weekend, with the Lip Sync Battle, B.o.B. concert and homecoming game yet to come.
Header Photo: Freshman Jacob Godfrey (far right) chowed his way to victory by defeating his opponents in the annual food-eating competition. (Lilly Anderson/The Reporter)
Write to Alexandra Tostrud at alexandra.tostrud@mnsu.edu