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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Western Athletic Conference has dominated the annual El Pinto Chile Cookoff as Fresno State claimed the Chile Bowl and marked the third straight year the WAC has won the event. The Chile Bowl kicks off a week-long schedule leading up to the New Mexico Bowl Saturday, Dec. 19 at 2:30 p.m. MT.

Nearly 500 players, coaches, staff, fans and media members filled the famous Albuquerque restaurant in anticipation of the evening’s main event, the green chile stew cook-off. Each school prepared chile prior to arriving and presented it tonight to a panel of celebrity judges. The judges included El Pinto owners Jim and John Thomas, Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry, Richard Eeds from the Department of New Mexico Tourism, Dave DeWitt who is consisted the “Pope of Peppers” and Miss New Mexico Nicole Miner.

Before the chile was judged, fans enjoyed a 20 minute video of season highlights and clips from when the chile was prepared by both teams. After much debate, FSU defeated Wyoming by a 3-2 decision.

During the event both schools performed a rap. Wyoming showcased its freestyle talents while Fresno State recited a heartfelt season recap.

Tomorrow’s activities include a friendly, but intense, competition on the lanes at the Santa Ana Star Casino Starlight Bowling Alley and a team dinner. The event will start at 5 p.m. Thursday at the SASC and conclude around 9 p.m.

- New Mexico Bowl -

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