THE EATING WARRIORS

FROM PENNSYLVANIA:

Dominic “The Doginator” Cardo

Currently Ranked 17th by the Association of Independent Competitive Eaters, Dominic is recognized as the World Beef Tongue Eating Champion. You may have seen the “Doginator” in the “Glutton Bowl” where he ate 3.3 lbs. of Pickled Beef Tongue in 12 minutes. As his Moniker suggest, Dominic is known for his hot dog prowess where he has had epic battles with former American Record Holder “Hungry” Charles Hardy.

This father of three and grandfather has been married for 25 years and was recognized as one of America's Best Eaters several years ago until his retirement as a New York City Corrections Officer. Although he is from Brooklyn, New York, he is now a Pennsylvania resident and has pledged his allegiance to Pennsylvania and promises a Pennsylvania victory in the War of the Wings.

Pete “Broken Wing” Maurizio

With only a few competitions under his belt, “Broken Wing Maurizio” entered the 2005 Pittsburgh, ESPN Wing Championship Series and beat a large group of top ranked eaters by a sizable margin to claim the title as Pennsylvania's Chicken Wing Eating Champion.

Although he has only entered a few events, Pete has made some serious noise in a short period of time. In ESPN’s “Dawg Bowl” last summer he just missed beating PA rival “Killer Kuhns” and “Chowhound Chapman” by consuming an amazing 53 hot dogs. Not only is Big Pete one of the nicest guys you will ever meet but this 39 yo old family man, who works in the Medical Supply business, is one of the modest eaters you will ever meet. His eating style is similar to that of his favorite football team the Pittsburgh Steelers: tough and determined. When Broken Wing won the 2005 Pittsburgh Wing Championship Series you saw very little celebration on his part. “Broken Wing” acted like a man who was familiar with being in the End Zone. If Mr. Maurizo decides to spread his wings and compete outside of the Pittsburgh area he will undoubtedly be an eater that will become frequently acquainted with the End Zone and Winners Circle. In the mean time, many of America's Top Eaters, will be hoping and praying that Big Pete doesn't visit their neighborhood.

Bob “Killer” Kuhns

Currently ranked 6th in the nation by the Association of Independent Competitive Eaters, The “Killer” is considered the Pittsburgh Hot Dog Eating Champion. Last July, The “Killer” consumed an amazing 56 hot dogs in Pittsburgh's “Dawg Bowl” beating 4th Ranked Pete “Broken Wing” Maurizio and 7th ranked Arnie “Chowhound” Chapman.

In addition to his hot dog abilities, Bob is known to be an excellent chicken wing eater. Although small in body weight, the "Killer" is a ferocious eater who regularly eats more than competitors three times his body weight. Whether you know him as: "Kuhn Dog” Kuhns, “Lord of the Wings” or Killer Kuhns you know you are in one helluva food fight when you go against this gurgitator

FROM OHIO:

  Chris 'The Juggernaut of Eating" Patton

Currently ranked 14th by the Association of Independent Competitive Eaters and considered the current

Ohio Chicken Wing Eating Champion, “The Juggernaut” established himself as one of America’s Best Eaters when he won a decisive victory at the 2nd Annual Columbus Wing Bowl. In doing so, the “General of Chicken Wings” decisively defeated Competitive Eating legends, Gentleman Joe Menchetti and David “Coondog” O’Karma, both world Record Holders and top ranked Eaters.

The Juggernaut struck gold in his first Chicken Wing Competition in 1995 where he won BW3’s “Cluck Off” by devouring an amazing 5.26 lbs. His accomplishments are even more amazing when you consider that he only has a few eating competitions under his belt. If the Juggernaut ever considers Competitive Eating on a regular basis there is no doubt he will not only become one of America’s elite but one of the world’s best. The best advise for the Juggernaut is to keep eating and learn Japanese! (Can you say Kobiyashi?)

Mark “The Human Vacuum” Lyle

Currently ranked, 21st in the Nation by the Association of Independent Competitive Eaters, Mark represents the new generation of gurgitators who believe in fitness and a healthy diet. Considered one of the rising stars in Competitive Eating, the “Human Vacuum” nearly pulled off an upset at this year’s Wing Bowl in Columbus Ohio before succumbing to urges contrary to swallowing.

Also, this Gahanna Ohio native recently competed in the World Tex Mex Roll-Eating Championship in Auburn Hills, Michigan where he placed fourth among America’s top competitive eaters. If it were not for some tactical errors in both of these events “The Human Vacuum” may have finished in the money. Eager to make a statement, "The Vacuum" has readjusted his tactics and is determined to take his rightful place among America’s top 10. Mark has designated the “War of the Wings” in Coshocton, Ohio the location and time in history where he will swallow-up the competition and be recognized as one of America’s best.

     Russ "Feed Bag" Ferhman

Russ "Feed Bag" Fehrman of Coshocton Ohio entered the ranks of the professional eaters just last year. With his decisive win in the amateur hot dog eating competition during the "Evening at the Blue Sky Diner" fund raiser, Russ turned pro and propelled himself to the 28th spot in the AICE rankings. A native of Buffalo New York, Russ admits he knows something about chicken wings and he is truly looking forward to sitting at the big kid's table.

Russ and his wife Mindy reside in Coshocton and have two children, a boy and a girl. Russ is employed by a health care facility when he is not dining on dogs or chewing up chicken wings. Veterans of the sport should not overlook this newcomer at the "War of the Wings" for two important reasons...his Buffalo roots and his home court advantage. All of Coshocton will be cheering for the "Feed Bag"!

FROM LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

Kid Cary Degrossa

Currently ranked 14th by the Association of Independent Competitive Eaters Three time Las Vegas Nevada Hotdog Eating Champion, Kid Cary has qualified for the New York Coney Island Hot Dog Finals three times. Known as one of the most charismatic eaters on the competitive eating circuit the Kid is a crowd favorite especially among the ladies.

Kid Cary attributes his eating talent to being the product of a Jewish mother and an Italian father, where food was always pivotal to family life. Realizing this, 20 years ago he moved from Brooklyn, New York to the City of Buffets, Las Vegas, Nevada, where he refined his skills, established the “Gut Busters” Club and earned a life time banishment from many Las Vegas buffets. You may have seen Kid Cary on the Wall of Fame in Coney Island or you may remember him as the Eater frequently accompanied by several gorgeous ladies that he affectionately calls his “bunnettes.”

FROM NEW YORK:

Arnie "Chowhound" Chapman

Currently ranked 12th in the world by Speedeat.com and 7th by the Association of Independent Competitive Eaters. Arnie is the Pennsylvania State Hoagie Eating Champion and holds the World Record in chili by downing an unbelievable 7.1 lbs in five minutes. The Chowhound boasts victories In hot dogs, chicken tenders, pickles, chicken wings and corn beef sandwiches. One of his most his most astounding accomplishments was his victory in Madison Square Garden where he won the Frank’s Red Hot Chicken Wing Eating Contest by devouring 100 Chicken Wings in only 8 minutes. This former Infantry Soldier and marathon runner has eaten a 76 oz. steak in a remarkable 21 minutes at J&R’s Steak House in Stony Brook, New York. Arnie is married with two sons and works as a Children’s Consultant for the for the New York State Commission for the Blind.