There is only one SF State event that comes to mind involving student competitions, free food and the coveted prize everyone is vying for: the golden shoe.
The first annual Kick-Off event took over SF State’s Malcolm X Plaza and quad area Sept. 12 in the afternoon. The Cesar Chavez Student Center and Associated Students Inc. collaborated together to coordinate the event that drew in hundreds of students.
“Our goal was to create something a little bit crazy and outlandish to bring awareness to our organizations,” said Abel Gomez, representative at large for ASI.
Kick-Off 2012 featured numerous activities for students and faculty to engage in. There were a handful of sports-themed inflatables, a live DJ, and free food ranging from cotton candy to nachos.
“There were a lot of bright colors, and (the event) looked fun,” said Dominique Terry, a junior majoring in anthropology.
Kick-Off 2012 also offered students a chance to enter the ultimate relay competition in groups of four where the winning team would be presented the golden shoe with their name displayed on it. Teams who entered the relay raced through one of the numerous inflatables at the event and those emerging with the fastest time would be declared the winner. Nine teams entered the relay and all consisted of officially recognized organizations including fraternities, sororities and clubs.
“It didn’t matter if we won the golden shoe,” said Garrett Wieck, a sophomore majoring in cinema and competing for Improv Nation at Kick-Off 2012. “We just came here to have fun.”
The golden shoe winner was selected based on the fastest relay time of 2:59.90 with the team Phi Kappa Tau #2 walking away as the overall winner. Additional awards were given out for teams with the fastest time based on categories such as student organizations, fraternities and sororities.
“The golden shoe is old school, fun and creates spirit on campus amongst students in a fun and competitive way,” said Aimee Barnes, program services director for the Cesar Chavez Student Center.
In addition, students who attended Kick-Off 2012 also had the chance to meet with various student board members on ASI and the Cesar Chavez Student Center governing board. Students were encouraged to voice their opinions and give feedback about what they want to see on campus from bands to events.
“What students want is what our execution is about at the end of the day,” said Mayra Saldana, marketing public relations director for ASI. “Our goal is to make sure there is a student life and voice after you get out of class.”
ASI and the Cesar Chavez Student Center plan to make Kick-Off an annual event based on the success of this year’s turnout. Students will also be able to see the golden shoe on display with the winning team’s name on campus. The official location will be determined in the next two weeks.
“(Kick-Off) is a chance to engage with the student population and thank them for their support,” said Barnes. “With ASI and the Cesar Chavez Student Center, we strive to direct our resources so students can get what they need.”
