On Sunday, October 25th, Alumni, family, and friends came together in the backyard for the 2026 Crusader Cook-Off, presented by Raising Cane's. Attendees enjoyed sampling all of the cook-off dishes, as well as jambalaya, hot dogs, and hamburgers.
Thirteen cooking teams competed, and seven homebrews were entered, battling for top honors from the judges and “People’s Choice” awards. Grass Fed & Organic Free took home the "People's Choice" awards with “Lobsta My Bisque”. The team consisted of Kris Keifer '86, Carl Lauto '86. Casey Rowe '86, Jeff Arcemont, Ross Autrey, Michael DiLorenzo, Alex Domingo, Jim Hanlon, and Kyle Kiefer.
Golden Tailgater won over the judges and took first with their Boudin Mac n Cheese. The team consisted of Joey Borrello '94, Brandon Dumontier '94, Brett Dumontier '90, Charles Jouandot '94, and Bryan Oubre '97.
Dead Liver Society (Casey Rowe '86 and Daryl Hope '65 SA) was awarded “Master Brewer,” with their traditional German beer "Holy Kölsch" and they also won the “People’s Choice” award with their "Blitzweizen Bier," traditional German wheat beer fermented with strawberries.
Judy and Rusty Buckman • Erin and Joe Caruso ’79 • Brian Castanza • Lenee and Dan Crowley '98 • Dennis Gerarve, Jr.
Mary Beth and Jeff Haro ’74 • Alaina Hudson • Elissa Maxwell • Sheila Messina • Stephen Messonnier ’82
Beverly and Tim Napier • Jennifer Spellman • Debbie and Roni Sumich • Paul and Paula Trentacosta • Cissy & Ray Yakelis
Marie and Steve Yost
In Memoriam Ron Messina ’63 SA
Presenting Sponsor
Raising Cane's
Master Chef Sponsors
Coca Cola
Hancock Whitney
Favorites Promotional Products - James Casadaban ’06
Fleur de Lis Event Rental - Mike Cascio ’96
Francesca Deli/Katie’s Restaurant - Scot Craig ’80
Pelican Events - Dolph Federico '86
Top Chef Sponsors
Fast Plak, Inc. - Debbie and Roni Sumich
Fifth District Savings Bank
Maffei Farms - Sal Maffei
Sous Chef Sponsors
All Dry Services of Greater New Orleans - Keith Gourgues
Dennis Panepinto Fan Club
Mike’s Hardware - LaFleur Family
Short Stop Poboys - Russell Hendrick, Sr. ’70
State Farm - Al Prieto ’09
Sysco New Orleans - Ray Yakelis ’06
Tic Toc Cafe - Kent Berger, Mike Delahoussaye ’77
Paula and Paul Trentacosta
Appetizer Sponsors
James Burke ’76
NOLA Medicare Solutions - Tony Lama ’97
Sizzlin Saders - Nick Macaluso '85 and Joey O'Connor, III '85
Donors
Coca Cola • Fast Plak, Inc. - Debbie and Roni Sumich • Gnarley Barley Brewing - Donn Lacoste ’94 • Magic Seasoning Blends - Pauly Dauterive ’85
Mike’s Hardware - LaFleur Family • Pacifico - Eric St. Pierre ’03 • Tic Toc Cafe • Trentacosta Family
