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MFISD students Shana Skeen, Logan Chapa, David Molina and Sophia Biagini enjoyed the fruits of their labors during Victoria Riback's class in barbecuing skills. Contributed photos
The Marble Falls High School barbecue team took off in 2023/24 school year, competing against other schools for the first time.
“We would also like to thank our sponsors (too many to list) for their support of the Smokin’ Mustangs BBQ Team,” team sponsor Victoria Riback told The Highlander.
Students are learning all of the skills associated with barbecuing, such as cuts of meat, proper prep and food han- dling, seasoning profiles, bar becue styles and presentation methods.
The group enters different barbecue competitions to show off their skills.
Right now, they are focusing on regional competitions, so they can qualify for the state barbecue competition.
Students come to practice twice a week in Riback’s room, and they learn to use the smokers and cookers in the Ag shop.
The BBQ club is another way for students to be involved in a school-sponsored organization.
“We don’t currently have a culinary program at MFHS, so this is a great opportunity for our students to learn some of those culinary skills while cooking (and eating) some great barbecue,” Riback shared. “We have about 15 students on the team right now and are open to new students joining at any point.”
Any student can pay the $30 dues, come to practice, and learn to cook.
Students need to “qualify” for the cook-off since no more than 10 students can enter each competition.
"We compete in five events at each cook-off: pork chop, chili, fajita, ribs, and chicken,” she said. “Right now we are participating in regional competitions in order to qualify for the state competition.
“In order to qualify, you have to make the top 10 in overall scores at any Regional competition,” she added. “Our ultimate goal is to qualify for the National competition.”