Chillin' with the champs

By Malynda Dorsey

October 28, 2007 12:10 am

— VALDOSTA — Hungry citizens could be seen enjoying warm bowls of chili along the median on East Jane Street near Bazemore-Hyder Stadium during the 2007 VSU Chili Cook-off, “Chillin’ with the Champs,” Saturday morning.
The annual event, hosted by the Office of Special Events at Valdosta State University, featured 21 teams comprised of restaurants, businesses and individuals around the area. Each team had its own unique approach to chili-making. Among the teams was Hot Pursuit, a team known for its “manly” chili, the Stop Light Chili. This dish, or bowl, which included red, yellow and green peppers and chunks of beef as opposed to ground beef, has won Hot Pursuit two awards at the Val-Tech Chili Cook-off.
Around 11 a.m., six judges began their rounds in search for the best tasting chili. Ultimately, a $300 Best Tasting Chili Grand Prize was presented to Kate Heine and the Fine Arts team.
The remaining winners for the individual and business categories include the following:
Individual
team winners
• Fist place — team of Robin Vickery, John Wright and Brian Rogers
• Second place — team of Vicki Connell and Sara Sumner
• Third place — team of Tracy Meyers and Shani Gray
Business winners
• First place — Sodexo
• Second place — Budweiser No. 1
• Third place — Budweiser No. 2
Winners for the best tasting chili in both categories took home $200 for first place, $100 for second place and $50 for third place.
The event was sponsored by The Valdosta Daily Times, Black Crow Events, Budweiser, Greek Row and Charlie Tripper’s. The cook-off featured a live remote by 99.5 Kix, Hot 102.7 and Rock 108, all of which broadcasted alternately throughout the day. Air Force ROTC volunteers also helped coordinate festivities.

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