Panchero's, 103 WIQB host annual burrito eating contest

Charlie Sojka ate six pounds of burritos Friday and not just because he was hungry.

Nine contestants battled for top honors at the second annual Panchero's Mexican Grill Burrito Eating Contest. Sojka, an Engineering junior, won the contest after finishing three burritos in the 45-minute time allotment.

"I'm feeling very full right now," Sojka said following the contest. "My strategy was to eat the first two as quickly as possible and work my way through the third one," he said.

Toward the end of the time limit, a few of the contestants had to take time out from eating. While some stood up or walked around the restaurant, one contestant stepped outside on to South University Avenue for fresh air.

When time was called, Sojka was named the winner, tying last year's record of three burritos. Prior to the contest, Sojka said he wanted to finish four burritos. "I don't think I can make it, but that's the goal," Sojka said.

Engineering senior Peter Cornue registered in the contest along with a friend but had no intention on competing for honors. "I've felt better," Cornue said. "I ate about 95 percent of one."

None of the contestants were sure how many burritos they would be able to consume prior to the contest. Most participants only ate one or two of the massive burritos.

LSA senior James Szymanski wouldn't put a number to how many he'd be able to eat. "I've been training hard, but I'm keeping my options open," Szymanski said.

Engineering senior Matt Heller used a technical strategy to decide how many burritos he would eat.

"I'm hoping to eat five percent of my body weight," Heller said while laughing.

Participants selected from four types of burrito, including pork, chicken, steak and grilled vegetable.

"The participants are able to pick what flavor of burrito they want and water is provided," said Jivier Rico, a Panchero's employee.

All of the contestants received a gift bag with a $5 Panchero's gift certificate, a T-shirt and a music CD. Sojka also won free burritos for the semester.

Community Marketing Manager for Panchero's Emily Hall said the annual event was held to generate publicity for Panchero's and to introduce the restaurant's new Fresh-Mex menu. "The contest is a good way to let people know we're in town," Hall said.

The contest was cosponsored by radio station ROCK 103 WIQB. Radio personality disc jockey Tiny Tim broadcast live from the restaurant during the event.

During the contest, the restaurant offered specials on its regular menu for non-participants.

Advertisements for the event aired on WIQB throughout the past two weeks, and signs were hung on the windows of Panchero's.

The contest was limited to nine participants who entered on a first come basis.

09-20-99