Delta State Alumni Association hosts 41st annual Pig Pickin'
Cleveland, MS (09/30/2026) — he Delta State University Alumni Association hosted the 41st annual Pig Pickin' on Sept. 5, bringing alumni, students, families, barbecue teams and friends of Delta State together for one of the university's most beloved traditions.
This year's event featured 25 barbecue teams competing in the Delta BBQ Brawl, a Memphis Barbecue Network-sanctioned competition that brings together top barbecue teams from across the region. Delta Boy Smokers was named the Patio Grand Champion, while Hog Addiction earned the title of Championship Grand Champion.
In addition to the barbecue competition, Pig Pickin' weekend featured a full slate of activities that brought the Statesmen family together. Events included Pilates, a mini cheer camp, a soccer alumni reunion and a pep rally, along with performances by Delta Music Institute bands Ol Skool Revue, DeltaRox and B4Y2K.
The Pig Pickin' weekend also included a special tribute to Delta State President Emeritus Dr. Kent Wyatt. Just before kickoff, a memorial flyover honored Dr. Wyatt and his lasting legacy at Delta State, providing a moment of remembrance for the Delta State community. The weekend concluded with fans gathering to cheer on the Statesmen football team.
"Pig Pickin' is a special Delta State tradition that brings our alumni and the entire Statesmen family together," said Corley Mullins '06, '10, '23, director of Alumni Affairs. "The Alumni Association is proud to host this event each year and create opportunities for our alumni to return to campus, reconnect with friends and celebrate the university we all love. We are grateful to the barbecue teams, sponsors, volunteers, performers and everyone who helped make this year's event a success."
For more than four decades, Pig Pickin' has served as a signature Delta State tradition, providing an opportunity for alumni and friends to gather on campus while celebrating food, music, competition and Statesman pride.
The Alumni Association looks forward to continuing this cherished Delta State tradition for generations of Statesmen to come.
About Delta State University Alumni Association
The Delta State University Alumni Association strengthens and enhances relationships among alumni, students, faculty, and staff by organizing events, providing networking opportunities, and supporting the university's ongoing success.
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