Russo's Chilita Places Fourth in Wing Bowl 20

came and went on Friday - that's how fast it was. It truly felt like a whirlwind.

Having never been to a Wing Bowl before, I didn't really know what to expect. So I did some research. Let's just say it's not the classiest of events Philadelphia has to offer, checking out a recap of last year's Wing Bowl. But then again, the contest was founded upon a unique principle... one very close to Philadelphia sports fans' hearts:

"We didn't make it to the Super Bowl (again), so let's ease our minds with one big party."

And it is a party. The eating contest itself was very fun and exciting, and this year's winner has become a "household" name in competitive eating: Takeru Kobayashi.

Kobayashi set a WIP Wing Bowl record, eating 337 wings, which crushed last year's record-setter (Jon "Super" Squibb) by more than 80. Squibb came in second this year, eating 271. That's OK though, he still won a Camaro. Kobayashi took home a Steven Singer "Super Bowl-esque" ring and $20,000. Not bad for a morning's work.

Locally, we have to give a shout out to the reason we were there... Rick The Manager and his entourage.

Arguably the best part of the show is the float presentation that Russo takes very seriously. This year, his float appeared as an Eagles football field, but with a slightly mad twist. That's right, the Eagles became "The Angry Birds," based on the hit game for mobile devices. The goal post became a catapult and Russo's entourage shot plush birds and plastic balls into the crowd as Russo held up his championship belt, dressed as none other than Andy Reid. Smoke and confetti filled the air and Russo stood proud on his float.

Unfortunately, a known float legend in Gentleman Jerry took the prize for best float this year.

Russo didn't make it through to the second round of three in the eating contest, but as we said before, he entered Wing Bowl as a competitor and a manager. He managed to get Stephanie Torres, a former member of Major League Eating, now competing under the name "Chilita," into the tournament. Torres hails from New Mexico. Russo met her in New York this year and helped get her in to the Wing Bowl.

On the Mike & Ike show at 10:00 a.m. on 94 WIP, former Philadelphia Eagle defensive tackle Hollis Thomas told Ike Reese and Michael Barkann that Chilita has an eating disorder, in which she cannot get full. You'd never guess though. Chilita is about 5-feet tall and light as a feather.

Chilita placed fourth overall, behind Kobayashi, Squibb and El Wingador (Bill Simmons). She ate an amazing 238 wings, which crushed the women's record (set by Sonya Thomas) of 169.

There to support Russo, appearing in his entourage, was MLE competitor and Royersford resident Bob Shoudt, also known as Notorious B.O.B. Shoudt said he was very proud of his good friend.

Another local story worth mentioning is that of Russo's wife, Sherri, who appears in pageants and supports her husband any way she can. So, she once again appeared as his top "Wingette." Now, when I referenced a lack of "classy" in the beginning of this story, I should have put an asterisk. Sherri was by far the classiest Wingette the event had. A dashing beauty that the rest just couldn't compare to.

Despite Kobayashi's fame and popularity in the competitive eating world, Philadelphia did not treat him very well. Chants of "USA! USA! USA!" resonated in the hallways before the contest. He was also booed heavily when he entered the arena and when he won, and as I walked the floors of the Wells Fargo Center, I heard comments from viewers such as "I want my money back" and "This event is fixed."

Was it fixed? I've heard rumors about Wing Bowl's reputation, but it's not really my place to judge. All I know is the place is a "Mardi Gras" atmosphere and is beloved by many from around the area.

Overall, it was an interesting event. It was my pleasure to be there to take photos and video, which I will be sharing with you over the next two days, and to help support one of Royersford's own.