On Oct. 28, Recreational Sports hosted a Pumpkin Carving Contest for students to participate in virtually from home for this semester. Students were able to pick up a pumpkin of their choosing at the East Lawn here at TAMU-CC from 10am to 2pm. Due to the change in weather, Rec Sports decided to hand out the pumpkins in the Dugan. Only 40 pumpkins with carving kits included were handed out. Students were encouraged to RSVP by Oct. 27 while spots were still open.

Those who participated in carving a pumpkin were advised to submit their pumpkins to the Rec Sports Instagram by sending a DM or to email them via Outlook. Students had until Oct. 30 at 5pm to submit their pumpkin to be entered into winning a prize of $40 added to their SandDollar$. Participants’ pumpkins were critiqued based on creativity and carving by Rec Sports staff members as they decided on a winner.

Marketing and Youth Program Coordinator Kyrstal Walker mentioned this event was intended for students to have a good time and not focus on the stress of their classes. Walker also stated how students’ creativity with carving these pumpkins would score them some points in their chances at winning the prize provided. “Everybody may not know who Rec Sports is,” said Walker, “Rec Sports is also more than just sports. We do try to provide opportunities for participation through social engagement and through social activities. This is just one way to also allow those who aren’t necessarily interested in sports to do something with Rec Sports and being active in our department.”

Geographical information sciences major, Stevie Hinojosa, participated in receiving a pumpkin from Rec Sports because he wanted to do something fun for Halloween. Hinojosa planned to carve his pumpkin as a decoration for the outside of his house. Even though Hinojosa didn’t plan on submitting his pumpkin for a prize, he mentioned how he was excited to see everyone’s artistic ideas for their pumpkin. “Rec Sports should start doing events like these during the pandemic,” stated Hinojosa, “Rec sports made this event safe and with social distancing. People who are tired of being stressed out from college and the pandemic can have an opportunity to relax and finally do something fun that Rec Sports can create and host safely.”

For more information about Rec Sports, visit their I-Engage page for additional news on upcoming events that they will be offering. Also look for the winner of the pumpkin carving on their Instagram account.