The results have been posted for the Atoka regional BBQ festival, and they are good news for the Moody Ques. Out of 49 teams total we placed:

• 9th in shoulder
• 29th in ribs

Since we compete in the shoulder division at Memphis in May, that’s the result we care about – and it’s a top-10. Frank and Erik applied everything they have learned the past several months, and it has paid off. We beat some of the big names on the BBQ circuit. Ten months ago we were told we were seen as a team that was flying under the radar, that was going to be as a team to watch out for in the future. We’re not flying under the radar anymore!

Furthermore, Frank C. and Chuck, two of the three experienced judges for whom we did our practice presentation in January, stopped by to sample our shoulder. Their reactions suggested that we have come much farther with our cooking than they expected in only three months. They told us in January “keep doing what you’re doing, and you are going to be one of the big dogs in two or three years.” Perhaps we’re fast-tracking it to big dog status.

With our placing in Atoka, we have proved we are a team on its way up. If you have friends who want to join a BBQ team that is accelerating to new heights, send them our way. We still have a few membership spots open. We are talking to one potential sponsor, but are certainly willing to chat with others as well. Still plenty of room.

In other news, we have put in our shirt order with Josh Cottrell. Josh does great work and he operates out of Winfield’s at Madison and Main if you ever have a need for T-shirt printing. Thanks to Sapana for taking care of the ordering of rubber team wristbands and paper guest wristbands yesterday.

Things are starting to come together. Email us at moodyques@gmail.com if you have questions or need anything.