Menomonie Man vs. Food

Lauryn Seering, photos by ContributedPhoto  |

It’s not everyday that a person can compete on national television, but Menomonie native Jeremy Wheeler is living the dream on a huge appetite.

Wheeler started munching food competitively at Fuzzy’s bar, just outside of Menomonie. His eventual goal was to compete on Man vs. Food, a program on the Travel Channel. Competive eating takes discipline, skill, and concentration. Competitions can go international such as Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York City. 

Photo:
 
Jeremy Wheeler | Photo: TravelChannel.com

Wheeler felt he had the girth to go pro. After the Man vs. Food aired a clip of Wheeler dominating at 6 ½ pound burger, he was contacted by the producer. They wanted him to journey to Milwaukee to participate in a hungrier challenge.

According to Chippewa Valley Post, Wheeler’s next challenge at the Red Rock Saloon was called the Unforgiven Challenge. Not only would he have to plow through a ½ lb. burger, but also a chicken breast, another ½ lb. burger, an egg, 1 lb. of fries, and 6 wings.

He had a 23 minute deadline. That would be food-coma-time for regular folks. 

After strategizing the best way to consume such a large amount of food in such a small time, Wheeler appeared on another segment with his 6-year-old son in tow. 

“It was the perfect finish," he told CVP, "I took my last bite, threw the wing on the plate and the crowd started cheering.”