By Jonathan Resendez/reporter
Droves of South Campus students and faculty from all ends of the spectrum came out to participate in this year’s Gobble Wobble and raise a ton of food.
The approximately two-mile fun run/walk, which assists the Tarrant Area Food Bank, had a large turnout with more than 200 participants.
Even before registration officially began, the lines had grown so long it was hard to determine where they ended.
Large containers were quickly filled during registration as participants traded in their canned goods for Gobble Wobble T-shirts and entry numbers designating them as runners or walkers.
Tables promoting Dallas Mavericks tickets and help with the financial aid process were set up for attendees to visit while everyone registered. The big hit, however, was the large costumed turkey everyone wanted a picture with.
To warm up, participants walked a couple of laps while others danced to upbeat music in the gym.
They then filed outside, where Dr. Ernest Thomas, South Campus president, began the event.
“ We want everyone to be careful. Runners – don’t run over each other,” he said with a grin before stepping aside and firing the shot that heaved everyone into motion.
The participants followed a small pickup truck, whose bed held the celebrity turkey for motivation, along the route that stretched through the campus and several of the parking lots.
With iPods, friends and even children in tow, more than 200 participants finished the event.
They were told their times for the course before going inside where water, apples, orange slices and yogurt were available to all while they awaited the awards ceremony.
Shelby Shaw, a first-year TCC student with hopes of majoring in education, said that she enjoyed running the event.
“ I run often, so I didn’t think it would be too hard although it was hotter than I had expected,” she said. “The shirts they gave out are cool, too. We should all wear them on the same day.”
HPE associate professor and first-time director of the Gobble Wobble, Kevin Kinser, opened the awards ceremony.
“ On behalf of the Tarrant Area Food Bank, I would especially like to thank all of you for helping those who need it,” he said to the crowd.
He also recognized the Latino Student Union, who raised more than 1,000 cans prior to the event.
The first-place winners in each category received a turkey while second-place winners each got a Cornish hen.
Chris Reneall took first place in “Male Runners, Ages 18-35” with the fastest time of the event, 10 minutes, 44 seconds.
Chris Huckaby, a student who has worked in the HPE department since January and helped with Gobble Wobble, spoke of Reneall’s speed.
“ Everybody who participated did a good job, but he was behind us the whole time,” said Huckaby, who rode in the truck that led the way. “That dude is cold.”
Kyle Boose finished second in “Male Runners, Ages 18-35” with a time of 12:05. Boose, a first-year TCC student majoring in exercise science and business, said the event was fun and a good experience.
Boose is preparing for the Cowtown Marathon in February.
The first-place winner in “Female Walkers, Ages 18-35” was LaQueen Battle.
“ It was awesome. I walk roughly three or four miles every weekend at Overton Park,” said Battle, who plans on transferring to TCU’s nursing program.
Michael Crawford, building technician who has participated for 10 years, took first place in his category with a celebratory dance and to standing applause.
“ It’s always a great event with good participation. It’s a good way of promoting camaraderie here on the campus as well being a great charity,” he said. “The HPE department does a great job and puts on a good show.”
Delores People, who also works with building services, has been the winner in her age category for the last 10 years.
“ I really enjoy it. You just got to go out there, relax and have fun,” she said.
A special award was given out this year to the oldest participant, Muriel Bartholomew, 77.
Bartholomew has been in all of the Gobble Wobbles except for one and also participates in several activities such as aerobics and yoga.
