Gas Department Takes the Pitmaster Win ... Again

First Place Winners: David Telfair, Briley Sutton, Justin Oakes, Tony Richards, and Blake Beddard (not pictured)

Pitmaster teams began arriving as early as 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7, to prep the pigs and light the cookers, signaling the start of the 5th annual Pitmaster Challenge. 

Each team worked through the night with temperatures in the 40s, making the grills not only a place for cooking pigs, but a place to congregate for warmth.  

Teams cooked into the morning, perfecting their pigs to reach peak competition standards using different techniques, recipes, and timing.  

By mid-morning, judging began, leaving the fate of each team in the hands of the panel of esteemed judges: Charlie Martin, Whole Hog Cook-off Master Judge and North Carolina Pork Council-certified; Nick Haase, Sam Jones BBQ; and Matt Jones, Jones Southern BBQ. 

The competition was tight, but at 1:00 p.m., the results were in, and the victorious team, for the second year in a row, was The Pipeliner Cook Team, led by Pitmaster Justin Oakes. In addition to first overall, the Pipeliner Cook Team also won ribbons for best taste and best appearance.  

In second place overall was the WWTP Maintenance Crew, led by Pitmaster Bryce Harrison. They also won the ribbon for best skin. 

Coming in third place overall was the Gas & Grub team, led by Pitmaster Chris Rouse. Gas & Grub also took home the blue ribbon for best BBQ sauce.   

GUC employees came out to support the teams, having the opportunity to sample the BBQ from all 10 teams, and enjoying grilled chicken and sides from Sam Jones BBQ, along with sweet treats from Simply Natural Creamery.  

Thank you to the teams that gave their time to make the Pitmaster Challenge, along with Facilities and Operations Support who worked hard to coordinate the event.  

Gas Department 
Pipeliner Cook Team: Justin Oakes, Pitmaster; Tony Richards; Blake Beddard; Briley Sutton; David Telfair 
Gas & Grub: Chris Rouse, Pitmaster; Butch Mills; Mickey Dawson; Glenn Crumpler; Alan Cummings 
Mainline Swine: Adam Wilson, Pitmaster; Steven Roebuck; Logan Smith; Nate Pate; Kevin Hudson 

Water Resources
WWTP Maintenance Crew: Bryce Harrison, Pitmaster; Dylan Moore; Adam Garris; John Leggett; Justin Elks 
The Water Hogs: Corbin Congleton, Pitmaster; Patrick Smith; Hayden Hardy; Roberto Gomez; Matthew Gupton 

Electric Department 
Faulty Flavor: Wyatt Blackburn, Pitmaster; Dylan Evans; Sydney Cotherman; Sawyer Norville 
Step-Down Smoke: Larry Chambliss, Pitmaster; Josh Owens; Jay Pigford; Charlie May 
Hot Stick Hawgs: Hunter Sparks, Pitmaster; Kolton Stotesbury; Matt Dylan; Chandler Fornes; Chase Hudson 

Fleet 
Smokin’ Wrenches: Kenny McDonald, Pitmaster; Kevin Lockamy, Wayne Roberson, Eric Roberson, Scott Mills 

Ladies’ Team 
The Smokeshows: Melinda Sampson, Pitmaster, and Erin Walton (Pub Info); LeAnne Wetherington (Customer Relations); Jessica Hardy (Finance); and Jessica Jenkins (Operations Support) with special assistance from Paige Wallace (Admin) and Amanda Wall (Finance).