DANVILLE — Gary Cooper wasn’t planning on eating again Saturday after downing 12 hot-dogs to tie his record of last year.
“I’m a little full,” said the slim 25-year-old Danville man, who hadn’t eaten anything before the contest. He used the same technique as last year — “take a few bites, drink water and force it down,” he said of the franks and buns he chomped on in five minutes to win the Fifth Annual Pappas Restaurant Hot Dog Eating Contest.
A cook and dishwasher at Mulberry’s, he received a trophy of a figure holding a hot-dog over his head and a gift certificate to the Mill Street restaurant.
His brother-in-law, Nick Bielawski, of Danville, came in second by eating seven hot dogs. Cooper and Bielawski tied for second place in the 2006 event.
Also entering were Bielawski’s dad, Marty, also of Danville; Anthony Burkholder, of Bloomsburg; James Whitesell Jr., of Danville; Matt O’Rourke, of Riverside; and Mark Webb, of Catawissa.
Cheering Cooper on were his wife, Jennifer, and kids Alicia, 5, and Zhaine, 4.
“I’m not entirely a fan of hot dogs. This turns you off after for a little bit,” he said.
He’s looking forward to next year’s event and hoping to down 13 franks. He may enter his kids next year as well.
The crowd cheered the seven contestants on with “go, go, go,” as they stood in front of the restaurant.
“It’s getting down to crunch time,” Mary Jane Six said, announcing the two-minute warning. The crowd counted down the last 10 seconds.
Mike Barsch served as timekeeper while Six’s brother and fellow Pappas owner Michael Kuziak and Danville Police Chief Eric Gill were referees.
While Cooper’s wife said he can be a big eater, she said he doesn’t always eat a lot.
He’ll put the trophy on a shelf in their bedroom next to last year’s prize.
n E-mail comments to kblackledge@dailyitem.com.
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