ompetition.
Lyle Shocks'em in Coshocton
Perhaps the only person not surprised by Mark “The Human Vacuum Lyle's” decisive victory at the “War of the Wings ” Chicken Wing Eating Contest was Mark Lyle. When asked about his chances against the top level competition he would be facing at Coshocton his response was simple: “I can beat these guys”. The less credentialed Lyle, who was referred to as a “Rising Star” during the introductions has now established himself as among the best. During this 13 minute contest (10 minute qualifying round followed by a three minute championship speed round) The Vacuum entered the Championship Round in 2nd place. However, The Vacuum was not to be denied and clearly separated himself from the field by consuming an amazing total of 3lbs 15 oz. and 16.75 oz., of which, was eaten during the final three minutes. Only third place finisher Gentleman Joe Menchetti came close to matching Lyle's Championship Round totals during the final three minutes by also consuming 13.25 oz (total of 3lbs 4.25 oz.).
Lyle's decisive victory was also matched by the effort of Kid Cary Degrossa , also known as the Austin Powers of Competitive Eating. “The Kid”, who recently came out of retirement and had never eaten chicken wings competitively, surprised the crowd by finishing third in the qualifying round and fifth after the Championship Round. For those that wondered whether the 59 year old “Kid” was all shtick and no swallow, they need not wonder anymore. Second Place finisher Bob “Killer Kuhn's” turned in another strong performance. The Killer's inability to sustain a strong three minute charge at the end was the difference in taking the title and finishing second.
Pete “Broken Wing” Maurizio , one of the perennial favorites was barely edged out of the money by finishing 4th over-all and losing to 3rd Place finisher Gentleman Joe Menchetti by only 3.25 oz.
Perhaps the most disappointing performances were turned in by Arnie “Chowhound” Chapman and Chris “The Juggernaut of Eating” Patton. The Juggernaut who stripped his bones clean of any and all meat may have erred strategically by spending too much time cleaning his bones instead of going on to the next wing. “Chowhound” although putting forth a good effort seemed to have difficulty establishing a rhythm and approached his wings with out a clear method or technique. Russ “Feedbag” Fuhrman, Coshocton's hometown eater, in his first professional contest got a taste of running with the big boys and the challenges connected to Chicken Wing Eating. “Feedbag” will be back with the knowledge, wisdom and experience gained from this intense and grueling
competition.
Standings after 10 minute Pro-Round
1. Bob “Killer” Kuhn's 2lbs 14.50 oz.
2. Mark “The Human Vacuum” Lyle 2 lbs 14.25 oz.
3. “Kid” Cary Degrossa 2lbs 10 oz.
4. “Gentleman” Joe Menchetti 2lbs 7 oz.
5. Pete “Broken Wing” Maurizio 2lbs 5.5 oz.
6. Arnie “Chowhound” Chapman 2lbs 0.75 oz.
7. Chris “The Juggernaut of Eating” Patton 1lb 7.75 oz
8. Russ “Feedbag” Fuhrman 13.25 oz.
Speed Round Totals for contest
Mark “The Human Vacuum” Lyle 16.75 oz. 3lbs 15 oz.
Bob “Killer” Kuhn's 7oz. 3lbs 5.5 oz.
“Gentleman” Joe Menchetti 13.25 oz. 3lbs 4.25 oz
Pete “Broken Wing” Maurizio 11.5 oz. 3lbs 1.25
“Kid Cary” Degrossa 3.25 2lbs 13.75 oz