Influenced by a bet with a teacher, sophomores Adele Dunkleberger, Jordan Cohick, Haden Ferguson and Simon Dietrich had a competition with Olive Garden’s well known free breadsticks with Dunkleberger achieving the school’s record of eating 17 breadsticks.
Leading up to March 14, the day of the competition, Mrs. Sandra Trick first heard about the competition idea in her fourth period English class.
“In class one day, students asked me ‘Mrs. Trick, how many bread sticks do you think one person could eat’ and I said eight,” said Trick. “Of course, hindsight is 20/20 but if I had known they would make it a challenge I would have greatly upped that number.”
As the conversation went on, Trick ended up agreeing to a bet. If they ate less than eight bread sticks, they had to make buffalo chicken dip for everyone and if they won they could have a party in class. With both scenarios benefiting Trick, she easily agreed to the bet.
“Whenever I hear about students doing things together, even if they’re basically dumb ideas but they’re harmless, I think it’s a great idea,” said Trick.
The four competitors unsuccessfully tried to get their other friends to join the competition which they planned to have before going to the school’s musical.
“I did not want to be sick during the musical,” said sophomore Elyse Boyle. “I did not want to ruin my appreciation for bread sticks.”
Although Boyle did not participate, she cheered Adele on. “No, I was rooting for her from the start,” said Boyle when asked if she was surprised by the results.
With all contestants eager to win, each of them prepared using different strategies.
“My prep consisted of a one day fast and a lot of smack talk,” said Ferguson.
“I fasted and expanded my stomach within the days prior,” said Cohick.
Inspired by wrestler Hayden Harvey, Dunkleberger prepared with intermittent fasting.
At the start of the competition, Dunkleberger’s initial thoughts were, “I got this.” With consistent confidence about her victory leading up to the challenge, Dunkleberger was not surprised by the results. “I knew I would win,” said Dunkleberger.
About halfway through the competition, the boys began to feel the effects of eating such an excessive amount of bread sticks.
Ferguson gave up at 10 bread sticks even though he was hoping for more than 10. “I was so far behind and wanted to relieve myself of the crazy pain,” said Ferguson.
A short while later, Dietrich dropped out at 12 bread sticks.
With Cohick giving up at 13 bread sticks, Dunkleberger became the winner and made it to 17 bread sticks.
After Olive Garden, the four competitors had made plans to sit through the musical for two hours. Some of them agreed it was not as painful as they thought it would be.
“I had no problems with my stomach but I did enjoy the musical,” said Cohick.
“It wasn’t as bad as I thought,” said Dunkleberger.
“I felt sick to my stomach, but I loved the show a lot,” said Ferguson.
All of the competitors agreed they would do it again but would prefer a new food.
Returning to school on Monday, the competitors gave Mrs. Trick the news of Dunkleberger’s accomplishment of 17 bread sticks.
“I was so proud of Adele. Way to represent. Girl power,” said Trick.
With all of the competitors passing the eight bread stick mark with video proof, Trick rewarded them with a party.
“When there’s a will there’s a way with high school students and food,” said Trick.
Socials