Yes, barbecue is a real Texas high school sport — and a yummy one at that!

Columbus Day meant there was no school at Boys Ranch Independent School District, but some of our young people received excellent hands-on experience today. They competed for positions on the two teams to represent Boys Ranch High School at the Texas High School BBQ Inc. competitions.

Competing in the categories of dessert, beans, chicken, ribs and brisket, 15 students who enjoy culinary arts mixed up their secret sauces, special crusts and perfect seasoning combos. The delicious creations were served to a panel of judges made up of Boys Ranch staff, including Boys Ranch President and CEO Dan Adams and alumni Dalyn, Kadan and Sebastian.

Among the winners picked to represent the varsity Boys Ranch High School BBQ Team were those who scored first place on their entries: Kiestyn (dessert), Adrian (beans), Bryce (chicken), Kim (ribs) and Kevin (brisket). The junior varsity team will be made up of Liz (dessert), Jordan (beans), Emil (chicken), Kharma (ribs) and Connor (brisket).

Congratulations to everyone who competed! We are so excited to see these young men and women in action!