Tacos Walk off with Thousands of Students
An estimated 2,000 Utah State University students made out like bandits Tuesday as they seized and devoured $2,500 in Mexican food from the Taggart Student Center Patio.
The free lunch was one of the many festivities of the Associated Students of USU-sponsored Week of Welcome.
Of course, the grand theft taco was encouraged by the ASUSU as a way for penniless college students to enjoy some more complimentary comestibles. Free ice cream was served Monday.
“It was delicious. I had to sit down and finish it,” said Yomi Olorunsola, a freshman in mechanical and aerospace engineering.
Kristen Arzani, a junior majoring in public relations, said she enjoyed the latest WOW event.
“Any time you can get free food in between classes, it’s great,” Arzani said.
Arzani, the Head of Delegations for the Aggie Special Olympic team, also helped organize the annual Special Olympics basketball game that started only 30 minutes after the free tacos came.
The game featured the men’s and women’s squads. The crowd cheered loudly as the newly formed women’s team was introduced in their debut game.
Among the faces at the event were men’s team players Spencer Nelson and Mike Ahmad, and USU Athletic Director Rance Pugmire.
ASUSU activities Vice President Tara Bradshaw planned most of WOW, including the Walking Tacos.
“It was crazy. It was a lot of fun,” Bradshaw said. “Good turnout.”
Bradshaw said she didn’t know how long ago walking tacos started, but Keri Mecham, assistant director of student activities, said it probably started in the fall of 1999.
Bradshaw explained why they are called walking tacos.
“They got them in chip bags,” Bradshaw said. “They’re mobile. You just put them in the Frito bag, you put chili in there, and cheese, and lettuce, and you can leave. You walk and you’re done.”
Cameron Woolf, ASUSU Service vice president, put together the Special Olympics basketball game. He said it was also part of the initial WOW in 1999.
As always, the free food was a success. The only downside was there were too many eager eaters.
“The line was too long,” said Kristi Madsen, a sophomore in journalism.
April Barrowman, a junior in elementary education, wanted a taco, but she also wanted to get home.
“I was standing at the bus stop when I saw the tacos,” said Barrowman.
The tacos were gone quickly anyway, as the activity was a huge success. Best of all, none of the taco-eaters were charged with lunch larceny.
-marklaroc@cc.usu.edu
Milo Andrus, ASUSU agricultural senator helps serve walking tacos. (Photo by John Zsiray)