Some competitions were admittedly skillful, but one was controversial.
ARLINGTON, Texas — You may not find them on any sports networks, but the SMU Jones Film Library is filled with old WFAA stories highlighting competitions that are as skillful as they are unusual.
Like a 1974 competition at the old Texas Stadium in Irving where nearly 200 people in teams of two went to work on 100 automobiles in the “National Troubleshooting Contest.” The goal was to see which team could get their broken-down vehicle up and running the quickest.
Meanwhile, the University of Texas at Arlington seemed to specialize in unique competitions. Not only did they test the might of tobacco spitters, but also the attractiveness of students participating in the “Mr. and Ms. Sensuous” contest.
The university’s annual “chip throwing” contest caused some controversy in 1975 when the reigning champion complained that the “ammunition manufacturer” was changed from cows to buffalos.
You check out other old WFAA stories here.