Fresno State Athletics
Cooking it up New Mexico Style
12/9/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 9, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - Ryan Colburn, Reynard Camp, Chris Carter and Marlon Moore do more then just play football. In preparation for their upcoming New Mexico Bowl game vs. Wyoming on Dec. 19, these four `Dogs, on Wednesday, went to QN4U in Clovis to cook up their best chili in an effort to win their second-straight chili cook off.
In year's past the chili cook off has been held the night the team's arrive in town for the New Mexico Bowl game at El Pinto, a famous restaurant in Albuquerque, N.M. Last year, the `Dogs won the battle with Colorado State with their homemade chili recipe and rap song that no one thought could be topped.
However, this year, the `Dogs just might have topped their performance from last season.
The New Mexico Bowl decided to send out committee member and Director of Operations for El Pinto, Jim Garcia to each town and have the team representatives cook the chili at a local hot spot.
The final versions of each chili will be sent to El Pinto and special guest judges will then announce the winner at the restaurant on Wednesday night before the game.
Garcia spent his Tuesday with the Cowboys in Laramie and then probably didn't know what he was getting himself into when he got into Fresno on Wednesday.
"In year's past we did the entire cook off at the restaurant and gave each team 45 minutes to create their own chili and then give it to their judges and then each team usually does a skit and it's shown on ESPN during half," Garcia said.
"It was a scramble last year to get the team's there and bring everyone together, so after the committee met we decided to fly out and find a signature restaurant in each home town of each school then we will create a video at one of the best restaurants in each town and have them teach the team's how to make the best green chili stew. "
The `Dogs pulled out on the stops, determined to bring the cook off trophy back to Fresno, Camp shoved onions in his face, Colburn showed off his culinary skills and Carter and Moore talked about their game plan using vegetables, all while dancing to "Who Let the `Dogs Out." They explained why they had no doubt they would win the chili contest and the game and has some fun while doing it.
"It was fun to work with QN4U and put together award winning chili," Colburn said.
"It was fun," said Camp. "It was different as opposed to being out on the field today. I got to come cook chili with the guys and Marlon is crazy! His animations and jokes were hilarious. It was a lot of fun and I can't wait to taste it!"
Brent Walton, the owner of QN4U was honored when his restaurant was chosen for the competition.
"I love to do competitions so for me I like it," said Walton. "It's good for the community to and it's good for football."
For information on the New Mexico Bowl, please check out the web site: www.newmexicobowl.com.
"We Are Your Team!" -- Fans are encouraged to check www.gobulldogs.com for information regarding the New Mexico Bowl, including ticket, travel and hotel accommodations.
