By Jemi Weldon (DCA Student, Student Affairs Marketing & Communications)

Gurney Derby
UAB’s most unique event, the Annual Gurney Derby, was held on November 1 at 10th Avenue South. Since 1994, 22 teams, composed of two men and two women, race to see who can cross the finish line with their gurney the fastest. Alpha Gamma Delta and Pi Kappa Phi won the race with a time of 22.82 seconds. Best Buddies was shortly behind them at 23.47 seconds, and TrailBlazers came in third place with 24.22 seconds.

Chef Battle at The Commons
Four Campus Dining chefs battled at their cooking stations in The Commons on November 1 to see which chef had the best food. Students went to each station and experienced a variety of foods, including vegan and vegetarian options. Although all the chefs had great energy and amazing food, only one could be victorious. Chef Brandon won the chef battle with his signature smoked ribs, a Southern classic.

DSS Flag Football
Trent Dilfer, head coach of the football team, kicked off the 9th annual DSS flag football tournament against the Lakeshore Foundation on November 2. The Lakeshore Foundation provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to live a healthy lifestyle through sports science, research, and athletic events. Pi Kappa Alpha represented UAB, but Lakeshore ultimately won this homecoming tradition, with the final score being 38-12.

Blazer Showdown
Nine organizations from Fraternity and Sorority Life(and even Blaze!) performed Y2K-themed skits on November 2 on the Green. Although every group put their heart into the competition, only three could win bragging rights. Alpha Gamma Delta won first, Kappa Delta placed second, and Alpha Tau Omega was third.

Homecoming Parade
On November 3, UAB departments, organizations, and UAB Band and Auxiliaries marched, drove, and sat on floats while evoking the Y2K theme from 14th Street South to University Boulevard. UAB’s Honors College claimed first place in the Homecoming Parade Float competition. The Office of Research finished second and International Mentors placed third. Madeha Javed, a first-time parade participant with the Pakistani Student Associations shared, “I loved the Y2K theme and it really felt like the UAB family showed out for this exciting event,”

Homecoming game against Florida Atlantic Owls
On November 4, UAB Football hosted the homecoming game at Protective Stadium against Florida Atlantic. Students and fans cheered the Blazers on to victory. The two teams went back and forth and fans were on the edge of their seats. UAB eventually won, defeating Florida Atlantic 45-42.