Students from the College of Agriculture showed off their assets at the Dairy Science Club’s annual Best Butts Contest.

Block and Bridle representatives Nancy Wiedmann and Michael Lash were awarded first place for their rears Wednesday night at The Zone, 125 Main St.

“I got voted into this contest because everyone knew I’d be embarrassed,” said Wiedmann, senior in agricultural education. “Dancing with Michael was my favorite part, and it was cool to make the most money.”

Lash, junior in animal science, said he liked being able to get out and have fun with friends and mingle with the College of Agriculture.

The winners didn’t leave empty-handed, either. Each winning butt received a $10 gift certificate to Dairy Queen, a fitting prize.

“It’s sweet to have the best asses in the College of [Agriculture],” Lash said.

Approximately 20 clubs in the College of Agriculture nominated one male and one female to participate.

When the dance started at 8 p.m., photos of the contestants’ back sides and were taped to a canister that was used to collect money. The contestants mingled through the crowd trying to win donations.

At the end of the night, the male and female contestants with the most money were crowned “Best Butts” in the College of Agriculture.

“It’s fun just being with friends and dancing,” said Jake Hammerly, senior in dairy science.

Previously, money from the contest was donated to various charities, said Jill Redinbaugh, senior in animal science. However, this year will be different.

“This year, we are raising money to host the American Dairy Science Association Student Affiliated Division Conference,” Redinbaugh said. “The money will go to support 16 schools that will attend next spring.”

At 10 p.m., the dance turned to a “Parade of Butts,” during which pairs of contestants shook their butts for the crowd.

Denim butts, latex butts, spandex butts and even a full moon kept the crowd cheering for its favorite contestants.

“The `Parade of Butts’ is the contestants’ last chance to get the crowd to give them money,” Redinbaugh said.

After the contestants paraded their butts, they had until 10:45 p.m. to accrue as much money for their rear as they could.

Shortly after 11 p.m., Wiedmann and Lash were dubbed the 2002 Best Butts Champions in the College of Agriculture.

“This is my second year attending the dance,” said Jim Seevers, junior in agronomy. “My favorite part is that I didn’t get slapped for looking [at the butts] this time.”