Nothing could stand between the “Pink Flamingos” and victory as they were held captive in their pen, waiting for the go signal. Cheers from the crowd erupted as the Ag Olympics began.

Students from the College of Agriculture and Life Science gathered at the Hansen Agricultural Student Learning Center to compete in the Ag Olympics Wednesday night as part of CALS Week.

The Ag Olympics were set up in a bracket style and consisted of teams made up of four people each. There were two sections of the Ag Olympics: agriculture clubs and open option — where students were able to form a team with members of a club they’re in or with people not involved in a club.

Team captains flipped a coin to decide who got to pick the side of the arena from which they wanted to start. The participants started in an animal pen and waited for the signal that they could begin.

“3-2-1-GO!”

The students lifted the latch to get out of the pens. They carefully tossed eggs at each other. Each team member had to then carry two hay bales across the arena.

Next, the teams had to push each other in wheelbarrows around a course.

Then, the teams had to work together to fish washers and nuts out of a bucket. They had to find the washers and nuts that fit on a bolt they were given.

All four team members had to putt a golf ball. Once they were done they all worked together to dig a hole, which was supposed to mimic planting a tree.

Finally, each team member had to attempt to lasso a fake cow. To end their race, the teams ran back to the pens and latched themselves in.

The “Pink Flamingos” participated second in the open option section. The team consisted of three juniors and one senior from the animal science and agriculture business majors.

The team didn’t train or run the course before Thursday night, but they all grew up on a farm and were familiar with the activities they had to do.

Nate McConnell, a junior in agriculture business, said the team didn’t know about a prize.

“[We did it for] the pride of winning,” he said.

The Ag Olympics are a part of the annual week-long CALS Week, which is organized by the CALS Council. The CALS Council is made up of students representing all the different clubs and organizations within the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. The purpose of the CALS Council is to coordinate information between clubs.

“They’ve done [Ag Olympics] before, it’s just kind of hard to try to get people in it together,” said Cody Sacquitne, a senior in dairy science and CALS week co-chair. “We try to hold events that try to get everyone in the college involved.”

In order to increase participation, they’re giving away a club award. Earlier in the week there was a Mr. CALS competition and quiz bowl. There’s a point system, and at the end of the week the winning team received a trophy.