By Sarah Gilley, Campus News Editor
The crockpots came out, the beans were bought, and the chili cookoff was underway. Saint Leo University’s Student Veterans of America (SVA) hosted their first-ever Chili Cookoff, and this event knocked it out of the park.
“Student Veterans of America is an organization that allows veterans to be themselves and get that fill of camaraderie that they got from the military,” said Cole Washko, a junior majoring in English, and the president of SVA. “We have a partnership with the Office of Military Affairs and Services to assist veterans with a variety of employment opportunities.”
With just the mention of chili, Saint Leo students came running to taste test all eight signature chilis. Satyne Doner, a junior majoring in business management, was on the scene with The Lions’ Pride Media Group to give her one-bite reviews, along with a one-to-five-star rating of each of the chilis.
“Being from the south, chili has always been a staple in my family,” said Doner. “I am so excited to see what other people like to add to their chilis.”
And, just like that, the race to find the best chili was underway. Starting off with the “Afterburn Chili,” made by Patrick Sheridan, associate professor of chemistry, and Cheryl Berry, instructor of biology and life sciences, which Doner gave a 3/5, saying that this chili is perfect for spicy lovers, who like their foods to pack a punch.
Heading off to the “Everybody Wants Some” team—compiled of Anthony DeSantis, associate vice president of student affairs and Dawn McElveen, director of student and family engagement—Doner had a lot to say about this one.
“This chili was so damn good, the brisket was smokey, the flavors all paired well together,” said Doner. “A solid five out of five.”
The “Everybody Wants Some” team and the “Anthony thinks his Chili is Good” team—made up of Heidi D’Ambrosio, executive assistant to the vice president of student affairs, and Mike D’Ambrosio, director of campus safety and security—had some ongoing beef throughout the tournament. However, in Doner’s eye, the former team took it in the bag, leaving the latter with only a 4/5.
The Health Center decided to get in on the action with their famous “Stoplight Chili,” which was filled with onions, ground beef, garlic, and so much more. Coming in with a 4.5/5, Doner loved the hints of garlic and the array of peppers.
Next up was the “Decolonized Chili,” created by adjunct instructor Dr. Eric Hannel. Filled with sweet potatoes, corn, and bison meat, Doner commented that this chili tasted like “Thanksgiving in a bowl.”
Shooting Clays teammates Dan Konesky, a senior majoring in criminal justice, and Isaac Standridge, a senior majoring in communications, had a very fishy chili, filled with crab, hog fish, gray snapper, and more. Coming in with a lower-than-normal score for Doner, a 3/5, she commented, “I am not much of a seafood person. The chili wasn’t bad, just not for me.”
“Matthew’s Tex-Mex Chili” cooked by Matthew Daley, a freshman at Saint Leo, was one of Doner’s absolute favorites, coming in at a 5/5. She wished she could give it a 6/5, it was just that good.
“The mix of cheese, beans, and sour cream just have to be one of the best in my opinion,” said Doner.
Last but not least is the “Chili de America” team. Capturing the true American spirit, this chili ranked high up on Doner’s top three.
“The Chili de America was up there in my top three, the beans and the peppers, along with the sauce just created an almost perfect chili,” Doner said.
All in all, the chili cookoff was a great success. Daley, from “Matthew’s Tex-Mex Chili” team, took home the title of Chili Champion. The “Anthony thinks his chili is good” team took home the title of Fan Favorite.
Students, faculty, and staff all came out to enjoy a new tradition on campus. If you have any questions or are interested in joining the SVA, you can contact Washko at cole.washko@email.saintleo.edu.
