*Written by staffer Daniel Harper*
The final knots were tied and teammates hoisted donuts stacked on sticks into the air. The two contestants sat eagerly, on either side of a lunch table, ready to start. Then, they were given the signal. Both sides lunged at the pastries with their hands held behind their backs. They were struggling, and it was messy, but after a few minutes, the contestant representing the Freshmen class came out on top, finishing right before his opponent.
The donut eating contest was held Tuesday at lunch in the Oasis. Players fought hard to finish first and win, the final prize being a popsicle party for their grade. Students dressed in sports jerseys crowded in a circle around the contest, some lifted onto tables to get a better view. Corey Harrison and his teammate had made the first round a victory for the Freshman team, but the others were ready to keep on fighting.
The second game was held between every class, this time with four contestants. Erika Chen for the Freshman team, Noah-Duro Andre for the Juniors, and Desarey McGill for the Senior team. Then after another sugary mess, the Junior team won a point. “There was no strategy,” said Andre, the winner of the round. “It’s kind of hard. All I was thinking was ‘eat, eat, eat, win.’”
The crowd packed in as the last game began with another four-way competition. The teams quickly switched out their contestants; Jesse Deng, Jada Robinson, Patricia Duffy, and Shreyan Singha for the Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors respectively, and began eating. Efforts were high, with every side having a crowd of supporters cheering for them. And in a close match, the Sophomore team ended up winning the third round.
The students applauded, handing out the remains of the boxes of donuts to the crowd as a celebration. Class presidents are still debating the winners of the contest, and the final results will be announced soon. But for now, many students are looking forward to the other fun festivities this year’s homecoming week will have to offer.
Noah-Duro Andre stands at the center of applause after winning the second game for the Junior team. (Photo/Daniel Harper)
The Freshman team works hard to finish their donut at the start of the first round. (Photo/Daniel Harper)
