On your mark, get set, eat! Food Network comes to Clearfield for burger challenge

from the March 12, 2002 Clearfield Progress by G. Kerry Webster, Staff Writer

Lori Weiss came to Clearfield yesterday looking to set a record. She didn't plan to do a million jumping jacks or stand on her head for four months. She came to eat. Mrs. Weiss was one of 10 individuals seeking national attention by consuming either a two-pound, three-pound or six-pound cheeseburger, all under the watchful eye and camera of the cable channel the Food Network, at Denny's Beer Barrel and Pub in Clearfield. The less-than-100-pounder from Hawk Run isn't a stranger to the big burgers. She has already downed a two pounder and a three pounder. Her goal yesterday was to finish the 3 pounder in a record 36 minutes. Her previous best was 45 minutes. "I tell you what, eating that whole thing is a feat," said Mrs. Weiss: "Last time, I couldn't eat for two days. I didn't even want to chew." Mrs. Weiss said preparation was the key to downing the colossal meat patty. She last ate on Sunday around noon. She took a four mile jog yesterday morning. "And of course, I wore my stretch pants," she said, just moments before diving in. Thirty-six minutes later, the plate was clean and the record was hers. "It sure wasn't an easy task," said Denny Leigey, owner of Denny's. "it makes peoples' mouths drop when they see that little woman sit down behind one of those burgers. Funny thing is that they keep their mouths open in astonishment the whole time she's eating. It's totally unbelievable." Only one other individual finished his burger. Kevin Graham of Shiloh polished off a two-pound burger in 59 minutes, 30 seconds. Not a single six-pound burger was finished. Justin Dinkfelt, a Clearfield bodybuilder, thought he could master the six-pound challenge. The six-foot, seven-inch Goliath looked as though he wouldn't make the burger last too long. Unfortunately, it did. "I'm just going to dig in," said Mr. Dinkfelt, noting that he once consumed 22 eggs for breakfast. "There's no strategy. I'm a big eater. I can handle that." "He was probably the worst finisher," joked Mr. Liegey. "People think the big guys are the ones that will put these things away."