The TFS Pit Vipers barbecue club has received an invitation to the Kansas City BBQ Society (KCBS) World Championships. The event will be held in Mayetta, Kansas on Nov. 13-14, 2020.
Approximately 500 teams will be competing in three categories: chicken, ribs, and turkey. All competitors will have won at least one Grand Championship in the last 18 months.
Over two days, teams from around the United States and overseas will test their talent to take home a World Championship. Each category receives an award, making it possible for a team to become a three-time World Champion. International teams include New Zealand, Austria, and Serbia.
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime. How many students can say they have competed in any endeavor on the world stage?” said head pitmaster and club sponsor Tom Tilley. “In such a short time, this is a huge accomplishment for our team. It was great to get such positive news during this turbulent time.”
Tilley is appreciative of the support of school leadership since the team launched in 2018, specifically President and Head of School Larry A. Peevy.
“I am so proud of the Pit Vipers,” Peevy said. “This is a tremendous tribute to the hard work of this club.”
The Pit Vipers finished last season ranked fourth in the state (amateur division), including four consecutive Top 10 finishes with two third-place finishes and a Grand Championship.
The Pit Vipers won at “Peaches & Pigs” in Kennesaw on Aug. 24, 2019. The team finished the season with Georgia Barbeque Championship (GBC) rankings of third in ribs, fourth in chicken and fourth in pork.
Members of the team include senior Darren Fortner of Demorest, senior AJ Hayes of Cornelia, senior Garrett Hunter of Tallulah Falls, junior Cainan Yaskiewicz of Franklin, NC, junior Ty Tilley of Tallulah Falls, freshman Abigail Hunter of Tallulah Falls and seventh-grader Teryk Tilley of Tallulah Falls.
Yaskiewicz was thrilled to hear the news the team reached such a milestone.
“This is fabulous news,” Yaskiewicz said. “What a huge honor it will be to represent TFS in the World BBQ Championships.”
