The 11th Annual UTSA Engineering BBQ Cook-Off brought the heat on Saturday, October 25th at The University of Texas at San Antonio, filling the air with smoky aromas, friendly competition, and plenty of Longhorn and Roadrunner pride.
Hosted by several of UTSA’s leading engineering student organizations — including ASCE, EWB, ITE, ASME, AIAA, and AIChE — the annual event serves as a major fundraiser to support student-led initiatives and professional development programs. What began as a small campus tradition has grown into one of San Antonio’s most anticipated gatherings for engineers, alumni, and BBQ enthusiasts alike.
Cooking for a Cause
Each year, the Engineering BBQ Cook-Off blends spirited rivalry with a shared purpose: raising funds for UTSA’s engineering organizations. Teams from across the region showcase their best brisket, chicken, and ribs, with proceeds helping student groups pursue conferences, competitions, and outreach projects that advance their hands-on learning and leadership skills.
WGI Brings the Heat… And the Fun
This year marked WGI’s third year competing and supporting the event as a Silver Sponsor, and our team once again showed up in full force ready to cook, connect, and celebrate the UTSA engineering community.
Out of 37 competing teams, WGI proudly placed 7th overall, with standout performances across the board.
- Judith Mancilla’s chicken landed an impressive 9th place finish
- Josh Allen’s brisket held strong at 12th place
- Our ribs, a crowd favorite, also took 9th place
But the true showstopper of the day was our People’s Choice entry: a Horchata-Cold Brew fusion, dreamed up by Miguel Lares and Jorge Velez. The creative concoction was a hit from the first sip, keeping lines long and energy high throughout the afternoon.
More Than Just BBQ
Between serving plates and swapping recipes, the WGI team made lasting memories. From surviving an unexpected overnight storm to discovering a few hidden karaoke talents (and plenty of “Eurovision-worthy” celebrations), our crew embodied the teamwork and community spirit that define WGI.
Every member of our team jumped in wherever needed, whether manning the pit, cheering on competitors, or connecting with students and fellow professionals. The collaboration and team spirit made this year’s cook-off truly unforgettable.
Supporting the Next Generation of Engineers
WGI’s ongoing participation in the UTSA Engineering BBQ Cook-Off underscores our commitment to supporting the next generation of engineers. Events like this provide vital funding and real-world connections for students pursuing STEM careers, and they remind us of the power of community within our profession.
As proud sponsors and participants, we’re honored to play a small part in helping UTSA’s engineering programs thrive while sharing our love of great food, great people, and great causes.
Until Next Time…
Though we didn’t walk away with a trophy this year, we left with something even better: shared memories, new connections, and a whole lot of pride in our WGI team.
We’re already counting down the days to next year’s cook-off because when it comes to BBQ, community, and engineering excellence, WGI always brings the heat.
If you’re passionate about collaboration, creativity, and making an impact, check out our careers page to explore opportunities to join our team and be part of our next adventure!
