What is more St. Patrick’s Day than a good, old-fashioned chili cook-off?

The Division of Information Services held its first annual chili cook-off yesterday in the Moulton Hall Ballroom.

Eleven entrants competed for the grand prize — four tickets to a Cleveland Indians home game. Walt Bainey, computer technology coordinator for network services, took home the tickets.

Bottles of wine were awarded to the four runners-up.

Crock pots and glass bowls lined the tables. Attendees tasted the unmarked chilies and then cast votes for their favorites. Some competitors were more serious than others.

“I came here to win,” said Randy Campbell, a systems administration manager. Campbell’s chili took second place.

Other contestants waited until the last minute to prepare their creations.

“I had a soccer game until 11 last night. I was at the grocery store after that,” third place winner Val Kelly said.

Information Services’ Virtual Team planned the chili cook-off as a chance for employees to get to know each other, said Chad Gerbick, co-chair of the team.

“I am very pleased with the turnout,” Gerbick said.

There will be a new event every month. An outdoor cookout is tentatively set as April’s event.

Contact academic technology reporter Jessica Dreschel at [email protected].