Many slices later. Jon Cornish, Maria Sansom both claim crown at the Eric Francis Pizza Pig Out

Some 800 people stuffed into Cowboys on Wednesday night to witness a bit of history and help raise money for Kidsport and You Can Play.

For the first time in 14 years, the annual Eric Francis Pizza Pig Out pizza-eating contest had co-winners, retired Team Canada rugby player Maria Samson, and Stamps legend Jon Cornish. 

Organizer Eric Francis was overjoyed with the turnout.

“It means a ton to me. Some people wanna meet the celebrities, some want to just come and make a difference,” he said.

“I’m so proud of this sports community to come out here and rally like this,” he added.

With the silent auction ticking away, the main event of the evening took place. A four minute, winner take all pizza chow down.

Cornish, who was a late contender, took a page out of the competitive eaters guide.

“I saw a few people getting hydrated. I knew hydration was the key. I’ve seen the Japanese hotdog eaters, they dip it in the water, you need the hydration to get it down.” Cornish said.

Former Rugby star Maria Samson, who claimed initial victory after wolfing down more than half a large cheese pizza, said she was gunning for gold from the start.

“I knew everyone was going to be starting fast, I thought to myself, slow and steady. Little bit of water, little bit of pizza,” she said.

President of Hockey Operations for the Calgary Flames Brian Burke said the event is circled on his calendar very early in the year.

“Stampeders players, Flames players and staff, we have a lot of fun. Good causes, too, with Kidsport and You Can Play. Eric has become a great ally of You Can Play, and I think it’s important work”

The final total raised from the evening was not immediately available.