One hour, 96 ounces; not a piece of cake

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. - Staff Sgt. Henry Lopez, 509th Force Support Squadron, uses a "hands-on" strategy to devour his meal. In addition to having to finish the 96 oz. steak, participants also had to finish off the rest of the meal that included a salad, baked potato and green beans. (U.S. Air Force photo/Donna Barker)

One hour, 96 ounces; not a piece of cake

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. - Airman 1st Class Carlin Leslie, 509th Bomb Wing, attempts to choose the smallest looking steak. in addition to having to finish the 96 oz. steak, participants also had to finish off the rest of the meal that included a salad, baked potato and green beans. (U.S. Air Force photo/Donna Barker)

One hour, 96 ounces; not a piece of cake

Published May 20, 2009
By Donna Barker
509th Force Support Squadron

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The competitors were ready, the fans were ready,and the meal was ready at the kickoff of the first Extreme Steak Challenge held at Mission's End May 13.

Four hungry contestants took a deep breath and began their quest to finish the entire meal in one hour. If accomplished, the $49.99 meal was free and the contestant would receive a $50 prize. If the meal was not completed, the contestant or their sponsors had to pay.

The challangers were:
Ryan Coday, Army Aviation Support Facility #1
Carlin Leslie, from 509th Bomb Wing
Craig Eufinger, 131st Bomb Wing
Henry Lopez, 509th Force Support Squadron.

When all was said, eaten and done, Craig Eufinger ate his way to victory, took home the $50 and earned his place in the Exclusive 96 Club as well as on the Wall of Fame. All other contestants were left with the decision on whether they would take home the remainder of their meal.

"There is a new meaning to the old saying 'where's the beef?'" said Graelin Garlington, Mission's End manager. "I plan to offer this type of event quarterly so prospective contestants may want to prepare themselves and maybe practice eating things like hard boiled eggs, chicken wings... it could be anything."