The air was cold, the fire was hot, and the fireworks were seen across Martin: Homecoming 2003 was off with a bang.

The SGA sponsored a barbecue cook-off, bonfire, and fireworks display for UTM students beginning at 6 p.m. Monday to kick off “Rock and Roll Homecoming.”

A barbecue cook-off using chicken from Tyson was one of the primary events. Organizations could participate in both greek and non-greek categories.

The winners were the brothers of Alpha Gamma Rho in the greek division and the NAACP.

Others who participated were the Wildlife Society, URHA, College Republicans, R.U.F., and SHAPE Club.

Other events included two eating contests: one with pizzas donated from Domino’s and one with pies with prizes donated by the University Bookstore. The winners of the pizza contest were Matt Elsroad and Thor Hanna, while the winners of the pie-eating contest were Tommy Argo and Derek Casey.

The festivities also consisted of the announcement of the Skyhawk football starting lineup and the introduction of the Homecoming queen candidates.

Those running for the coveted Homecoming queen position include: Courtney Baird, SHAPE Club; Amy Clement, Alpha Omicron Pi; Calandria Ellison, Delta Sigma Theta; Melinda Garrett, Alpha Delta Pi; Alexis Johnson, Black Student Association; Candi Karas, Gamma Kappa Pi; Carin Malone, SABER; Jamie Prince, Zeta Tau Alpha; and Nichol Pritchard, Sigma Alpha Iota.

“I think the bonfire surpassed the last two years,” said Jennifer Ogg, SGA president.

“We were excited about the turnout of students this year. We hope to do a great job next year as well.

“A big thanks goes to Mike Munkel, donors, everyone in SGA, and everyone who participated.”