Champions named in 4th BBQ cook-off
The fourth annual Fort Griffin BBQ Cook-off “Battle for the Blade & World Championship Dove Competition” took place last weekend and winners were declared in several categories, as well as the overall champion Clinton Ullmann.
The Burnet resident, who headed up the team known as Double U BBQ, was presented with the 2018 fourth generation “Blade of Fort Griffin” on Saturday afternoon after all the judging was completed.
Justin Winters, one of the local organizers, said Tuesday that 33 teams were entered in the Fort Griffin competition. Two of the teams that registered were unable to attend, he added, leaving 31 teams competing for the prize money and awards.
“There were three other state championship contests going on that weekend in the DFW area and we turned out more teams than all three of the others,” said Winters.
He explained that in order for an event to qualify for points for top-placing cooks in International Barbeque Cookers Association (IBCA) sanctioned cook-offs, the event must have 25 teams.
“The other three cook-offs did not meet the qualifying minimum,” said Winters, “but Albany did!”
This was Ullmann’s first year to compete in Albany, according to Winters.
“Apparently, Clinton made the right decision on where to go, because he not only came out on top as this year’s grand champion and won the Blade of Fort Griffin, but he also was able to tally points toward the IBCA year end honors he is chasing,” said Winters.
Weekend Event
The weekend event started with a Cook’s Meeting at the Icehouse restaurant at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Steak and Dove competitions on Friday evening before a Kick-Off Party at the Icehouse with Ross Shifflett on stage.
“The Cook’s Kick-Off Party on Friday night was a huge success!” Winters added. “All of the teams came together and had a great time meeting one another and listening to live music. They all said how much they enjoyed the uniqueness of Albany as well as the Icehouse atmosphere.”
The three main meat competitions, including Brisket, Chicken, and Pork Spare Ribs, took place on Saturday, along with the bonus events of Bloody Mary and Beans.
Volunteer spectators did the judging.
“We struggled to maintain an ample number of judges,” Winters said. “But we had a decent amount of foot traffic on the sidewalks. One of our goals with the downtown location is to get people out and walking around Albany on a beautiful Saturday.”
Organizers also provided a children’s sand pile treasure hunt area, and the Albany Volunteer Fire Department members set up their bounce house.
Winters thanked all those who helped with this year’s event, and said the group has already begun planning for next year.
The fifth annual Battle for the Blade is set for Sept. 27-28, 2019.
Top Overall Winners
Clinton Ullmann from Burnett with Double U BBQ took home the grand champion trophy in the “Battle for the Blade.” Ullmann won first place in Brisket, as well as second in both Chicken and in Pork Spare Ribs to garner the overall title and earn the hand-forged trophy knife made by Mike Whitmore and the title of “2018 Winner of the Battle of the Blade.”
Reserve grand champion went to Bubba Garrett with the Twisted Pitsters after the team placed third in Brisket and first in Pork Spare Ribs.
First place in Chicken was claimed by Aaron Lesley and his team, the Texas Oil Dust.
Dino Anest from Wichita Falls and the Angry Greek team won the Dove World Championship.
The top award in Beans was taken by Bryce Hrncirik and the Double B BBQ Crew from Wichita Falls.
Mary Beth Jones from Albany concocted the winning Bloody Mary.
Bill Black sizzled his way to victory in the Steak division.
Winners List
Overall: Grand Champion – Clinton Ullmann, Reserve Champion – Bubba Garrett, 3. Scott Brame, 4. Tony Chancellor, 5. Aaron Lesley, 6. Randy Burkhart, 7. Tommy Smith, 8. Caleb Jordan, 9. Bennie Koger, 10. Kit Polk
Brisket: 1. Clinton Ullmann, 2. Bennie Koger, 3. Bubba Garrett, 4. Scott Brame, 5. Randy Burkhart, 6. Caleb Jordan, 7. Tommy Smith, 8. Aaron Lesley, 9. Kit Polk, 10. Tony Chancellor
Chicken: 1. Aaron Lesley, 2. Clinton Ullmann, 3. Tony Chancellor, 4. Kit Polk, 5. Scott Brame, 6. Randy Burkhart, 7. Caleb Jordan, 8, Chris Brannon, 9. Cole Smith, 10. Larry Zimmerman
Pork Spare Ribs: 1. Bubba Garrett, 2. Clinton Ullmann, 3. Bryce Hrncirik, 4. Tommy Smith, 5. Tony Chancellor, 6. Larry Zimmerman, 7. Dino Anest, 8. Scott Brame, 9. Jay Guy, 10. Caleb Jordan
Beans: 1. Bryce Hrncirik, 2. Mary Beth Jones, 3. Joey Baker, 4. Aaron Lesley, 5. Dino Anest
Bloody Mary: 1. Mary Beth Jones, 2. Betty Joseph, 3. Chris Brannon, 4. Lauren McCarthy, 5. Brandon Campbell
Dove: 1. Dino Anest, 2. Trey Davis, 3. Mary Beth Jones, 4. Kit Polk, 5. Bill Black
Steak: 1. Bill Black, 2. Tommy Smith, 3. Matthew Baker, 4. Caleb Jordan, 5. Dino Anest
