Midwest Scuba and Scuba Shop USA teamed up to host this year's Scuba Carve 2003 Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest held Saturday, Oct. 25, 2003, at Quail Run Quarry in Rolla.

More than 58 people braved the cold and chilling drizzle to participate in the festivities, and a record number of 36 divers carved pumpkins underwater and entered their creations into the 2nd Annual Underwater Pumpkin Carving contest.

The judges had a tough job choosing the best pumpkins, but picked the following winners:

Best Overall: Don Homan
Scariest: Walter Wright
Most Humorous: Patrick Johnson
Best Dive Related: Janice Homan
Most Creative: Steve Heaton
Ugliest: Wayne Ziegelmeyer Jr.

In addition, 18 people took part in the PADI Underwater Pumpkin Carving specialty course! Midwest Scuba instructor, Lyn Campbell, had each student place their carving along a section of the quarry wall. The judges then swam the length of the wall to get the full affect of each student's efforts.

For Best Overall Pumpkin from the certification students, Nikie Hobba took home the prize. Congratulations to ALL course participants for a job well done!

Missed this year's event? Mark your calendars now for Saturday, Oct. 23, 2004. You won't want to miss out on the best way to close out the season!