WEST LIBERTY, WV- West Liberty University hosted a Chili Competition in Union Hall on Wednesday. 10 contestants competed from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to see who made the best chili. Votes were placed by tickets handed to students who wanted to taste test. All participants were given a prize despite their places, and the top three gained medals from gold to bronze. This event was led by Chris McPherson and the College of Business.

I spoke to many of the participants and asked about their “why” for competing. Hunter Dotson, representing KDK, said he just “love cooking” and was able to watch some of his coworkers along with watching chili videos online to come up with the recipe for “DaBomb.” 

Even some WLU professors partook in the event. Dr.Saurbier said anytime she gets to make her chili, it brings memories of her cooking for her sons. 

KDK and their recipe “DaBomb” took 1st place as the chili competition winners. Dodson chose one of the many prizes that were available to the winners, a mini Christmas tree filled with lottery tickets.

2nd place came Bryson Phipps, with his bacon and beef chili, and he secured the silver medal and a gift card basket.

Last but not least, Skylar and Amanda placed top 3 with a bronze medal and took home a sweet treat basket.

There were around 100 taste testers and every single one of them had a chance to win a prize through a random raffle ticket pull. One thing is for sure, all 10 contestants did this because they “love to cook!” 

Contestant names: Hunter Dotson, Dr.Smith, Dr.Saurbier, Bryson Phipps, Alyssa Barker, Abby Dennis, and Skylar & Amamdra.