The fourth annual pun contest held on Thursday, Feb. 23 brought new contestants to the setting. There were 16 contestants and an audience that filled the front of the theatre. The first place prize was a free ticket to the winter mixer and 50 percent off a prom ticket.

Ryan Blake, junior, was crowned the new champion this year.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Blake said. “It’s the first year I’ve gone also.”

Blake was surprised that he won, but knows that he had some practice. He said he sometimes uses his classes as practice.

Blake said he was not afraid when he was saying puns.

“I’m okay with saying things that aren’t very funny,” Blake said.

Blake said he was threatened by both Jeff Klein and Ryan Sieli.

Jeff Klein, junior, has been the runner-up for the past three years. He said despite his loss, the turnout was impressive and it was entertaining.

“The competition was good, and there were better and more creative people,” Klein said.

Klein said he was surprised by Blake. While he lost to him, Klein said he’s not bitter.

“At least I’m not getting any worse, and that’s fine by me,” Klein said. “It’s kind of funny that I keep losing to Ryans.”

Ryan Sieli, senior, was the champion two years in a row until this year. He has attended all four pun contests. Sieli said he was glad that the pun contest was back in the theatre. There were more audience members and the contest had sound effects.

“There were a lot of the same people, but there were also some younger people in the crowds, which is exciting,” Sieli said.

Sieli said he was impressed by Blake’s skills.

“He’s very good,” Sieli said. “I’d have never known.”

Sieli said he doesn’t know what he will do next year. He said he hopes to be an alumni judge in the future or even start a pun contest in the college he attends.

“It’s so much fun, and you should definitely come next year,” Sieli said.