University of Houston students are gearing up for a crucial test on Friday. The test involves no studying and no books, but students are required to be frank.

At 11:30 a.m., Friday (Sept. 18), UH students and staff members will participate in a taste test to select the official "Cougar Dog" that will be served at all home sporting events. This event will be conducted in the University Center's dining hall (Entrance 1 off Calhoun Road.).

The invited guest tasters (including administrators, student organization leaders and representatives from UH Athletics) will assemble in the brightly decorated dining hall to sample three prospective "Cougar Dog" recipes. After tasting and deliberating, the dog that makes the grade will be named the wiener.

The "Cougar Dog" recipes were designed by UH Executive Chef Brent Gorman, who initially developed eight styles of hot dogs. After previous tastings, three finalists were selected for Friday's finale.

"Whichever dog wins out, it will be unique to the university," Gorman said. "My goal was to design a dog that identifies UH and the city. When people come to a UH sporting event, I want them to enjoy a hot dog that they will remember and ask for again."

The targeted launch date for the selected "Cougar Dog" will be at the UH-Texas Tech football game at 8:15 p.m., Oct. 26 at Robertson Stadium.

WHAT: "Cougar Dog" Taste Test and Selection Event

WHEN:  11:30 a.m., Friday (Sept. 18)

WHERE: University Center Dining Hall (Entrance 1 off Cullen Blvd.)

WHO: University of Houston

For more information about UH visit the university's Newsroom at www.uh.edu/newsroom.