Another article: Deseret Morning News

January 1, 2005- The First Inaugural Ball Park Fiesta Bowl National Hot Dog Eating Championship could be easily defined as the most exciting competitive eating contest ever witnessed. 20,000 plus tail gaiters were treated to an exciting, close battle between two professionally coached Collegiate Hot Dog Teams followed by a the National Hot Dog Championship featuring some of America's greatest Gurgitators. The event was preceeded by the appearance of the University of Utah and the University of Pittsburgh's Marching Bands who pumped the fans up with their glorious team tributes and brought the excitement level up to a frenzy.

By the time that the Professional Coaches, Yao "The Asian Sensation" Bling", Eddie "The Geek" Vidmar, "Gentleman" Joe Menchetti, David "Coon Dog" O'Karma and "Kid" Cary Degrossa were introduced the crowd was roaring with expectation and swelling with team pride. Prior to the event, the collegiate teams could be seen receiving tips, suggestions, pointers and other important tidbits from these food Warriors whom they affectionately bestowed the term "coach". This would not be easy, because contestants would be required to observe American Picnic Style Rules which meant that they would have to eat their Ball Park Hot Dogs without the use of gimmicks such as dunking, mushing mashing, and separating dog from bun.The lessons of these great Gurgitators was not lost as the eager students and alumni battled their way to possible Hot Dog glory (Not to mention $100 dollars each, a very nice plaque, 2 t-shirts, a hat and the opportunity to kick their rivals but).

Pitt team: Nick 'Ute Nukker" Pollack, Joseph Mignella, Thomas "the Cruiser" Lindsey, Andrew  'Mr Fertility' Puerzer

and Larry West.

Utah Team: Troy Baldwin, Donnie Beck, Joseph 'Cracker Head' Carmock, Jon Lingwall, Paul VanOrden

Pittsburgh got off to a fast start, but the Utah fans were screaming for blood (OK, Ketchup) and made a remarkable come back finishing 15 Hot dogs to Pittsburgh 13. It is worth noting however, that after their celebration the Utah team and followers demonstrated great sportsmanship congratulating Pitt on a great effort.

In the professional event, Gentleman Joe Menchetti sprinted out to a quick start with the old crafty veteran "Kid" Cary following close behind. By the third minute of this eight minute contest "Kid" Cary had slowed down significantly which can only be attributed to the distraction he must have felt from the two lovely "Ball Park Bunnets" who accompanied him on stage. Some of "the Kids" fans attempted to refocus him on the task at hand (eating Hot Dogs) but this Casanova of Competitive Eating could not be redirected in time to recapture his original pace with Gentleman Joe and the surging Coondog O'Karma. Eddie "The Geek" Vidmar maintained a steady pace through out the competition and did not allow the many pretty ladies or tail gate delicacies that were being grilled and calling his name, distract him in his quest for Hot Dog Glory.

Yao "The Asian Sensation" Bling seemed to struggle with Hot Dog Picnic Style Rules and seemed perplexed if not confused in his approach and style. David "Coondog" O'Karma and Gentleman Joe Menchetti provided great excitement, trading bite for bite and gulp for gulp as the the last minute was ticking away and the crowd was going wild with frankfurter ecstasy.

After the final tally was made- the winner of the Inaugural Ball Park - Fiesta Bowl Hot Dog Championship was Gentleman Joe Menchetti with 15.5 Hot Dogs while David "Coondog" O'Karma finished with 15.0. Third place went to Eddie 'the Geek' Vidmar with 9.25, third to Kid "Cary" Degrossa with 7.5 and Yao Bling with 6.75.

Special thanks are extended to Doug Blouin and Patrick Cannon of the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Committee and sponsor Ball Park Franks for their hard work and dedication in making the Inaugural Ball Park - Fiesta Bowl Hot Dog Championship a huge success.

"After a few days of sulking because of the massacre in Sun Devil Stadium and losing my first ever hot dog eating contest I am able to say "That was one hell of a weekend".  The hot dog eating contest being one of the highlights of the new year.  After a few sleepless nights of contemplating, I am sure that givin another chance at hot dogs my team will surely kick some Utah ASS! 

As for football we'll wait till next year."                                                                             Tom (The Cruiser) Lindsey

"Thanks again for such a great time! It was the highlight of our trip.... Thanks again for such a great opportunity."

                                                                                                                                     Troy Baldwin