{"id":388853,"date":"2026-09-03T01:51:03","date_gmt":"2026-09-03T01:51:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/388853\/"},"modified":"2026-09-03T01:51:03","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T01:51:03","slug":"whet-your-appetite-pig-roast-competition-returns-to-campus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/388853\/","title":{"rendered":"Whet your appetite: Pig roast competition returns to campus"},"content":{"rendered":"

The ultimate FIU football tailgate takes place on Sept. 26 at MMC with scores of teams gathered to cook the whole hog.\u00a0Tickets are on sale<\/a>\u00a0now for this community event of delicious proportions. It precedes the Panthers\u2019 game against opponent Long Island University at Pitbull Stadium.<\/p>\n

The aroma of charcoal-roasted lechon filled the air, promising a delectable treat to those who braved the weather to attend last year\u2019s first annual Pig Roast at MMC.<\/p>\n

Associate Director of Financial Aid Fabiola Ortega, one of the four champions comprising team\u00a0We Mean Business, had just spent two hours chopping avocados, tomatoes, and onions for her side dish, a\u00a0pico\u00a0guacamole. Her efforts were rewarded when hungry fans returned for more.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had a lot of people ask me, \u2018Where did you buy this?\u2019 I had to explain that I made it,\u201d she says. \u201cI knew it was good, but they reinforced that I had something special here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ortega\u2019s popular dip (see recipe) served as the perfect complement to her team\u2019s winning\u00a0lechon, prepared with their unique mojo and presented atop an orange slice.<\/p>\n

With some 80 participating teams from within the FIU community and beyond,\u00a0We Mean Business\u00a0competed against many seasoned professionals. Teammate Alberto Diaz, director of college recruitment and enrollment management, recalls feeling out of his depth initially. \u201cI\u2019m of Cuban descent,\u201d he says. \u201cI was raised making lechon with my father, but we never did a\u00a0caja china, so this was a first for me.\u201d In fact, the whole team needed instruction on how to operate the time-honored box method for cooking the pork.<\/p>\n

Despite more-experienced competitors and having to overcome a sharp learning curve, the team brought their positive attitude. \u201cIt unified us even more,\u201d Ortega explains. \u201cIt was a very fun experience that taught us to be more collaborative and understand better what each person brings to the table.\u201d<\/p>\n

Friendly rivalry added spice to the competition. Good-spirited banter with the College of Law team, for example, led to lasting bonds forged in the summer heat. \u201cWe made great friends! We still talk and meet up,\u201d Diaz says.<\/p>\n

Following their win, the team representing the College of Business has proudly displayed their individual trophies around campus. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of talk now,\u201d Diaz discloses, among newcomers and returning competitors. Not one to rest on their laurels or relinquish bragging rights, the business team is busy cooking up fresh ideas for the upcoming competition. (Ortega singles out the pork and side dishes from the College of Hospitality\u2019s team last year as standouts to watch.)<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we\u2019ve come to the realization,\u201d Diaz explains, \u201cthat everyone is going to bring a better game than last year. Everyone is better prepared, so there is pressure.\u201d With a grin, he adds, \u201cWe\u2019re the business school, so we\u2019re competitive individuals. We want to win.\u201d<\/p>\n

With two teams this year, the College of Business is hoping to double its chances at success by topping their dishes from last year\u2019s event. As they tell it, the team plans to deliver big ideas and big flavor.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on their collective victory, Ortega describes it as \u201ca special moment for our team. Winning showed our hard work, dedication, and teamwork.\u201d Hoping to inspire a surge in attendance and participation, she adds, \u201cGive it a try. We would love to see more of the FIU community. You\u2019ll walk out with good food and good energy. And you\u2019ll connect with FIU on a different level.\u201d<\/p>\n

Diaz echoes his teammate\u2019s sentiment: \u201cThis is community. That\u2019s the way I see it.\u201d The pig roast is but one example \u201cof what FIU is about. The way that this community comes out to support these events is what makes it so special.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"TeamTeam\u00a0We Mean Business\u00a0with their trophies: From left to right, Fabiola Ortega, Anezka Martinez, Dean William Hardin, Andre Lightbourn and Alberto Diaz<\/p>\n


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