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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The celebrity judging panel is set for TailGREAT 2019 and it features some of the best culinary palettes, critical eyes and most importantly strong supporters of Illinois football. TailGREAT returns this weekend as the Illini take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday, Sept. 21 with kick time set for 7:10 p.m.
Judging will take place from 3:30-5 p.m. A full list of the entrees and their gameday locations will be released on Thursday.
Meet the Judges:
BEST BBQ
Brit Miller: Miller, former football team captain and starter on the 2008 Rose Bowl team, was a self-proclaimed "chubby" linebacker. Miller says there isn't a BBQ he hasn't liked. On Saturday, he will dominate these BBQ plates much like he did Big Ten running backs when he racked up 283 tackles from 2005-08.Â
Chef Joshua Stahlheber:Â Stahlheber has served as the Executive Chef at Baxters American Grille for the past three years. A self-trained Chef, Stahlheber has been cooking professionally since he was 19 years old. His style of cooking is considered southern Cajun comfort food with his own twist, but this week his palette is strictly BBQ.
Mike and Chris White: Illini gameday in the 80s featured two things – the competitive tailgating of TailGREAT and thrilling football teams, thanks to former Illini Coach Mike White and his All-American kicker son, Chris. Mike and Chris return this weekend to enjoy the pregame tradition they couldn't take part in during the 80s. The pair know how to pick winners as they did during the 1983 season winning the Big Ten Championship.
MOST CREATIVE
Chancellor Robert Jones:Â As Chancellor of this prestigious University, Jones has a great eye for Illini Spirit and creativity. As the leader over the largest freshman class in school history, Jones knows how to aim high and exceed expectations, and will look for that same attention to detail from the TailGREAT entrees. Good news, you don't need a 29 ACT to enter!
Brandon Lloyd:Â Known to Illini fans as BLloyd, the star receiver from 1999-2001 and 11-year NFL veteran, has an eye for excellence. One of the most dynamic players from Illinois' 2001 Big Ten Championship team, Lloyd dazzled fans with his high-flying catches, including the game-winner over Wisconsin in 2001.
Susan Salzman: The winner of the inaugural TailGREAT in 1982, Susan and her previous husband, Kevin Cramer got married on the tennis courts in front of the stadium. The pair invited the wedding party on their honeymoon to Hawaii, which coincidentally was the prize for winning TailGREAT. Susan and Kevin were married for 10 years, and Susan's two sons, Kevin and Brian, took part in the ceremony.
