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Eight handle the heat completely at inaugural TRC wing challenge

By Shawn F. Linenberger - | Aug 27, 2025

Shawn F. Linenberger

Erica Colvert and Jeffrey Masterson are among participants pushing their way through another round Saturday at Tonganoxie Recreation Commission’s inaugural Hot Wing Havoc contest at Chieftain Park.

Milk was flowing from ice cold gallon jugs often Saturday afternoon at Tonganoxie Recreation Commission’s inaugural Hot Wing Havoc challenge, but a whopping eight of nine participants made it through all five rounds, with the ninth just one step away.

Competitors took their seats at Chieftain Park as some 40 spectators looked on during each excruciating round. Participants had to eat two wings smothered in varying levels of hot sauce each round and then wait for all to be finished with each round before grabbing their glasses of milk or bottled water.

This year’s finalists were Nick Moran, Erica Colvert, Jeffrey Masterson, Jim Mitchell, Craig Nachbar, Lori Oliver, Justin Sara and Darren Shafer. David Hickey was just one round from being a finalist.

Gambino’s Pizza donated the wings, which were smothered with some of Kansas City, Kansas sauce company Spicin Foods’ hot sauces.

Participants received prizes after every round: Tonganoxie Rec swag, a Brothers Market gift card, a Gambino’s gift card, a Chiefs-themed sauce variety box and certificates proclaiming them as certified heat specialists.