SAN ANTONIO – The Matthey Middle School BBQ team has been crowned national champions.
The team showed off some of their award-winning barbeque Monday morning as their classmates returned for the first day of school.
Early this summer the students were announced as the National BBQ Champions for 2025 in the Scheels National BBQ Competition in Kansas City. Matthey’s team, the Cardinal Q Crew, brought home 1st Place in the National Chili Competition and 2nd Place in the Ribeye Competition, earning them the title of Overall National Champions.
“Our students represented our district with outstanding skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship, and their results speak volumes about their dedication and talent,” said Principal Miguel Martell.
Cardinal Q Crew – Overall National Champions
Viviana Marines (6th) – Grilled Cheese: 10th
Ángel Pérez (7th) – Ribeye: 2nd
Sofia Navarro (7th) – Chicken Lollipop: 4th
Luis Mendez (7th) – Chili: 1st
Mia Montelongo (7th) – Ribs: 6th, Brisket: 9th
Flaming Cardinals Crew – 13th Overall
Davian Chavez (6th) – Grilled Cheese: 14th
Tristan Minnich (6th) – Ribeye: 5th, Chili: 13th
Elijah Guerrero (6th) – Chicken Lollipop: 13th
Malachi Cardoza (6th) – Ribs: 14th, Brisket: 5th
Special thanks go to agriculture teachers Mr. Steven Iredale and Mr. Matthew Stoddard for their mentorship, and to Amanda Montelongo, Matthey Middle School Academic Dean, for her support throughout the season. The school also wanted to thank all the parents for their encouragement and the many ways they helped behind the scenes. Their support played a big role in helping the students succeed at the national level.