By; Grace Reitsma
Let’s be frank: Redwood was hungry for a win this year during Taylor’s annual Hot Dog Eating contest, against Whitney contenders. Squaring off before Cowhide week allows both schools to gather to compete for the bragging rights that the Hot Dog Eating contest offers. This is the 10th year of the contest which is a great opportunity to kick off Cowhide week with some friendly competition. Cheerleaders, band members, football players, teachers and parents all gather to show some school spirit and famous Ranger pride.
The lengths some go to in order to win are impressive. Daniel Mota ‘19 prepared by “expanding [his] stomach by eating a ton the weekend before but fasting all day the day of.” He chowed down 6 hotdogs but this was not enough to beat the heat Whitney was bringing. Luckily, the teams’ results ended in a tie so a tie breaker would need to take place to finally decide who wins. Aaron Garcia ‘20 was just the man for the job: “It was a little nerve wracking being the one that decides the who wins or loses, but it was awesome being cheered on by all my teammates.” All nerve for nothing being as he demolished 9 hot dogs, surpassing Whitney by a large margin.
Redwoods newest administrator, Mr Marroquin, also got the chance to participate in the event. The sight of so much of the student body in attendance was awe inspiring to him “I stepped back and looked around like wow I have a good job you know what I mean that was a cool moment. One of the proudest moments of that day at Taylor’s was no disrespect to Mount Whitney but they did a chant I was a bit disrespectful I felt and then instead of us trying to one up them, we did the Alma Mater. It was a good reminder of where I work kind and the dignity Redwood has.” Redwood seeks to always follow the famed motto “Make it big. Do it right. Give it class.”
The hotdog eating contest was just another opportunity to fulfill it. So as rivalries go we will meet our competition once again Friday in the Mineral King Bowl for the legendary Cowhide football game. And if the hot dog eating contest is any precursor to how events should play out at the game: be prepared for another Ranger win.
Tags: cowhide, hot dog eating contest, Mt Whitney, rangers, Redwood, redwood rangers, taylors hot dogs
