Eat it or wear it
The scent of eggs and ground beef permeated the air under Newcomb Plaza's Big White Tent yesterday as first-year College student Vince Martyn achieved one of the University's most coveted honors - champion of the annual Gusburger Eatoff.
"It's all a blur," Martyn said after devouring four Gusburgers in three minutes during the second heat of the competition.
The Gusburger Eatoff, sponsored by the University Programs Council and the White Spot restaurant, challenges students each spring to eat as many of the famous egg-and-meat delicacies as they can.
All of yesterday's participants were male students, some representing a club or organization; others came representing only themselves and their brave stomachs.
At the close of the first three-minute heat, two participants tied, consuming three burgers each.
"It was pretty easy," said one of the finalists, first-year College student Matt Reynolds.
But the highlight of the event was an appearance by men's basketball coach Pete Gillen, who stopped by in time to cheer for students in the second heat.
"You're representing your families!" Gillen shouted over the microphone at the participants. "This is bigger than the game of life!"
As the second heat began, Gillen's true coaching abilities shined as he shouted words of encouragement into the egg-and-meat-covered faces of participants. Then he led spectators in a chant of "Do this! Do this!"
"I was invited to participate" in the heat, Gillen said, adding that he was taking a break from the basketball team's Student Appreciation Day event in the Amphitheater. "These guys are a little out of my league."
Cecil White, chairman of UPC's Comedy and Variety Committee, said people annually challenge their stomachs' capacities as a part of University tradition.
"They do it because they want to get the Gusburger title," White said.
As a first-year, Martyn has the added challenge of defending his title for three more years.
"My style is impetuous, my defense is impregnable - no one can match me," Martyn said after the Eatoff. He was munching on a Gusburger.
-Julie Hofler
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