TEll of the TAPE

The table has ben set for the Quick Chek Original Tasted Italian Sub eating competition. Ten food warriors will compete for the title of New Jersey Italian Sub Eating Champion on July 30th at the Annual NJ Ballooning Festival in Readington, NJ.

After much brainstorming, the staff at AICE and Quick Chek have set the odds on Favorite

Gentleman Joe Menchetti

Although Joe comes to the final with the 2nd highest amount eaten during the qualifiers (5 fully loaded subs) the ease with which he consumed the subs was nothing short of amazing.  Factor in that Gjoe stopped eating with 40 seconds left (to take a champagne break) and that  he has not lost a contest in quite awhile, along with his many titles and world records; Joe should be the odds-on-favorite

Mark Lyle- "The Human Vacuum"

Comes in as 2nd odds-on-favorite. The Vacuum consumed the highest total amount during the qualifiers (5.5 subs). Although MArk has a decisive victory against Gjoe in chicken wings there is still some speculation  regarding his ability to 'put down the hammer in Italian subs'. The Vacuum is an intense competitor who still has a good chance of upsetting GJoe and is looking to make a statement on July 30th.

David "CoonDog" O'Karma

CoonDog seemed to struggle with his win at the Fairview Qualifier eating 4.5 subs.  World Record holder in corn and donuts, the "Master of Food Sprint' will have to 'suck it up' and go strong for the 10 minutes if he has any chance of winning. CoonDog's strong dislike for peppers added to the subs will be a major obstacle for him to overcome.

Dominick "The Doginator" Cardo

This seasoned veteran has recently come out of retirement and has show the  competitive eating world that he is still a force to be reckoned with. Although 'The Doginator' has reemerged as a strong contender there are some skeptics  who question whether he can regain his previous  form when he set the world record in Beef Tongue and was regarded as one of America's great hot dog specialists.

Chris "The American" Schlessinger

A newcomer to competitive eating "The American" has yet to compete on a big stage such s the NJ Balloon Festival. If the American can handle the pressure and maintain good technique he could finish in the money

Ray "Porterhouse" Key

In only his first attempt at competitive eating, "Porterhouse" easily consumed 4 fully loaded subs without blinking. this ex-boxer showed his style and poise usually reserved for veterans. "Porterhouse' could easily be the biggest surprise in Readington on July 30th

Pedro "The Bull" Montes

This guy knows how to eat. Pedro did not finish far behind the pro's in the Fariview qualifier. Whether or not "The Bull" is simply a big eater or deserves the recognition as a 'competitive eater' will be determined on July 30th

Joel "The Cannon" Podelsky

The Cannon has the enthusiasm and courage that are prerequisites for all great eaters. In only his  2nd eating competition, the Cannon is likely to fall short but learn some valuable lessons

Jeremy "More than Baloney" Maloughney

Jeremy, 2 3/4 subs is the lowest total of all qualifiers. However, Jeremy does have youth on his side and will work hard at staying with the pack.

Jorge "Big House" Rodriguez

Jorge, a wild card entry is 6'0", 230 lbs. His friend "The Bull" who is competing will bring out the best in Jorge. Unfortunately, "Big HOuse" is outmatched and will probably hit  the proverbial 'wall' at the 6 minute mark.