RUCH — So what's the secret to pounding down seven foot-long beef hot dogs in 100-degree weather on the way to becoming an eating-contest champion?

It's all about lubricant, according to Ruch resident and hot-dog-chomping guru Jocelyn Henderson.

"I dipped them in water and added mustard for flavor," Henerson said.

Saturday's culinary event, held at Aunty's Pasta at 181 Upper Applegate Road, raised $487 for the Ruch Rural Action Team, a volunteer group that distributes donations during holidays and serves as a command center in emergencies.

The contest was broken down into adult and teenage groups, with a $100 grand prize for the winning adult and $50 for the teen champ.

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All competitors had 20 minutes to scarf down as many hot dogs as they could. But the true test came afterward, when they had to hold down the fruits of their labor for 10 minutes or face forfeiture.

"And no dropping the dogs under the chairs!" warned restaurant owner Catherine Johnson at the start of the contest.

Of the four adults, none could match Henderson's hot-dog destroying fury. In the first eight minutes she had downed five dogs, bun and all, while her opponents continued working on number three.

On the teen side, Timmy Ryan, a 15-year-old Hidden Valley High School student, edged his two opponents by wolfing six-and-a-half hot dogs on his way to victory.

At around the 10-minute mark, the crowd of 15 began urging the contestants on, even as their faces turned red and sweat beads popped out of their foreheads.

"Don't think about it, keep going!" they chanted.

After swallowing the tail of his fifth dog, Timmy's thin body melted in his chair and he looked up into the sky as if seeking divine inspiration.

"I'll meet the enemy," he said when presented with two more hot dogs.

After the final gun, the judges surveyed the carnage and presented Timmy and Henderson with their hard-won prizes.

Competitors secured sponsors for the contest. But Johnson had hoped for more money, as the RAT needs funds for utilities and a new roof for its building.

Timmy wasn't about to bask in the glory of his accomplishment. He had plans later in the day.

"I'm going to take my 4-H pig for a walk," he said.

Reach reporter Chris Conrad at 776-4471, or e-mail cconrad@mailtribune.com.