So for 2009, I finished in the top 10 over 85% of the time. I finished in the top 5 68% of the time. I came in Grand or Reserve Champion in over 44% of the contests I entered. Those are numbers I’m pretty proud of, and they are what kept the Swamp Boys ranked as the #1 team in the country on the National BBQ Rankings for 67 weeks, including all of 2009. We’re talking out of over 4, 400 pro teams.
Jump forward to 2010. Here is a list of the contests I entered and where I finished overall:
Okeechobee 3rd/44
Lakeland 18th/73
Winter Haven 4th/46
Starke 5th/38
Haines City 12th/37
Clermont 14th/30
Dade City 10th/25
Granted, 3 of those above are good finishes. And historically the start of the season is my weakest stretch. But still, those others have me worried. In Haines City I did not get a call! It has been years since that has happened. Something is changing, now to figure out how to deal with it.
Good to meet you in Franklin, NC I am 75 years old and the brisket you gave us was the BEST i ever tasted, hope you are back next year. Larry Miller Willow Pond Rd Franklin, NC
Great to meet you and your wife, Larry. Glad you enjoyed the brisket, thank you. We will definitely be back next year, we have to see if we can improve our finish by one place.