Competitors show hunger for success

A pulled hamstring couldn't keep Central High pole vaulter Dan Willingham away from competition.

He traded in his pole for a fork and his mat for a plate of ribs. Two minutes later, he'd leapt over five competitors at the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce rib-eating contest.

"I got a good plant with my fork and dug in," said Willingham, 18, who ate 12 ribs in two minutes.

The event, held Tuesday under a tent behind Outback Steakhouse, capped off the chamber's membership drive, said director of member development Cathi Schlosser. Sixty-nine new members joined since Friday, bringing the total to around 1,180.

Cape Girardeau has the fourth-largest chamber of commerce in the state.

If the contest was any indication, it might be first-largest for rib lovers. The six contestants sat in their thick, oversized bibs -- actually filters from event sponsor FSI Heartland -- but hardly a drop of sauce was spilled.

Southeast Missouri State University football coach Tim Billings used a steady and methodical approach to rib eating, one that didn't pay off.

"I don't mind losing in the off season," he said.

But interim fire chief Mark Hasheider came to win, fasting all day except for a sandwich at lunch. He said he prepared mentally by anticipating the ribs.

In the end, he was skunked.

"The competition didn't know how to savor the food," Hasheider said, explaining his loss. "It's disheartening when you see the winner get up and go to the appetizer bar."

Willingham was having a plate full of complimentary chicken wings for dessert. He looked up sheepishly. "I haven't eaten since lunch."

hhall@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 121