How did you get to Ponte Vedra?
I’m from Orange Park and I went to school at UF. I moved back and was working as a structural engineer until about 7 months ago. I’ve recently been tutoring high school students in Ponte Vedra.
How did you get involved in competitive eating?
My roommates signed me up for an eating contest in college. I didn’t think I ate that much but my roommates were like, "That’s insane!"
What was your first experience?
It was a sushi eating contest at a restaurant in Gainesville. I ate 50 pieces of a jumbo California roll in five minutes.
Was that your first attempt at competitive eating?
Yes. Back when I was in fourth grade at summer camp I had an eating contest with one of my counselors for run. We both ate 13 chicken sandwiches before they ran out. He was a college kid and I was only in fourth grade.
How many contests have you participated in?
I’ve done hundreds. I try to do one or two a month.
Which was your favorite contest?
The Krystal hamburger competition. I really like the taste of Krystal burgers. I’m in the Krystal Hall of Fame — my face is on a box.
What was your most recent contest?
Last weekend I was in Coney Island for the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest. I ate 38 1/2 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.
What is the most difficult part of the competitive eating process?
Speed in general. There is such a short time limit. It’s about being able to chew fast and swallow big chunks of food.
How do you prepare for a contest?
Three days out, instead of eating my normal meals, I limit the amount I’m eating, like just yogurt for breakfast and a protein bar for lunch. Twenty four hours out, I go on a strictly liquid diet. The day of, I eat nothing until the actual contest except for a Monster energy drink right before.
Have you ever thrown up at a contest?
Never at a contest. Occasionally afterwards.
What was the strangest contest you’ve participated in?
I ate 110 straight jalapeño peppers whole in 10 minutes. I also was in a plumb dumpling eating contest in the Czech Republic.
Why do you do it?
I love traveling and I love eating and it’s a perfect combination.
How do you keep yourself from getting full?
I don’t know — I’ve never actually felt full. Every time I’m done eating, I feel like I could eat more.
