Russell Bittola shows off his gumbo for the annual Gumbo Cook-Off during tailgating for homecoming. Bittola defended his title this year as the three-time winning Judges’ Choice Award champion. Larshell Green/The Lion’s Roar

Former two-time champion Russell Bittola has now officially become a three-time champion after receiving the 11th annual Game Day Gumbo Cook-Off Judges’ Choice Award.

The event was held on Oct. 28 in Friendship Circle as part of the university’s homecoming activities and tailgating before the Lions football game against Sam Houston State University. 

The cook-off involving the popular Louisiana dish gave participants an opportunity to showcase their culinary skills and raise funds for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. The Judges’ Choice Award is based off a taste test where judges try samples of each participant’s gumbo while blindfolded.

Bittola has competed in the Gumbo Cook-off since it began. He enjoys participating in the competition every year because of his love for gumbo.

“I like gumbo, and I like to eat,” said Bittola. “I’m a two-time defending champion, and I’m here to defend my title.” 

When it comes to what makes Bittola’s gumbo so special, it all comes down to one key ingredient: peppered bacon.

Bittola shared his opinion of what makes a good gumbo.

“Thickness that is long and heavy,” said Bittola. “I don’t like a watery gumbo.”

When asked why he thought his gumbo would win this year, Bittola said there were reasons that he knew he would win.

“I made it thick with peppered bacon and love,” said Bittola.

Alumnus Joey Bossom took a sample of Bittola’s gumbo and listed the attributes.

“It has a very good seasoning taste to it,” said Bossom. “It’s very spicy both of which I like. It has a very good texture to it. The coloring of it is like gumbo is supposed to be. It’s top notch.”

The competition also had a Fans’ Choice Award in which the participants who were non-judges could donate money to the table with the best gumbo. 

The participant with the most money in the jar at the end of tailgating is the Fans’ Choice Award winner. This year’s winner was General Manager of Kajun 107.1 Brian Shivey. Operations Manager Richie Clark attended the event to accept the award on Shivey’s behalf.

Both winners were announced during half-time at the football game and received a Game Day Gumbo Cook-off Champ gumbo paddle as a prize. 

The gumbo cook-off had a total of four participants: Bittola, Alumnus Richard Moran, Associate Professor in the Department of Language and Communication Dr. Amber Narro and Shirey.