June 2-3, 2012 - This past weekend was by far the biggest test our team has had this season. The team capacity was maxed and the pro teams were out in full force. I am very proud that we got an 8th place mention in ribs!!!!

We are definitely on the right track to be serious contenders in the next couple years. Our team has had a top ten mention in every contest we have competed this year, racking up a few top 5's and some hardware.

With an ill team member a couple weeks ago, we missed the contest in Westmont, but we came back for one of the biggest tests our team has faced yet in St Jacob, Illinois, for the "Jakey in June" contest.

I was exceptionally grateful that our neighbors -- B&B BBQ -- took the time to share their amazing BBQ with us after each turn in and were very friendly and supportive to us (the new guys). They were the Grand Champions of this event and many others as they placed 18th overall in KCBS last year. Their team is no joke!

This event was top-notch all the way. Richard, Sharon, and their daughter Rachel put on an amazing contest that obviously has the respect of the BBQ circuit and the townspeople of St. Jacob.

Friday night and Saturday night all of the vendors sold out and the Kids- Q had a full capacity contest as well. My guys did great as this was their first BBQ contest.

We will definitely be back for this event next year. This was a perfect example of experience, professionalism and fun all in one weekend's event, not to mention the first class breakfast spread for the teams on Sunday morning.

Again congrats to B&B BBQ for their Grand Championship and to Big O'Dang (our other neighbors) for their Reserve Championship. We were in such great company it's hard not to take your game up to the next level to compete with these true professionals.