In a great mix of creativity, collaboration, and real-world learning, Joliet West High School students recently took on an exciting culinary challenge inspired by a visit from Joel Sigel, Food & Beverage Director for the Joliet Slammers. After learning about stadium operations and menu development, students were tasked with elevating classic ballpark favorites by researching Slammers Stadium and Joliet history to create unique, inspired dishes.

From concept to creation, students explored key industry skills including food cost analysis, pricing for profitability, large-scale production feasibility, and marketing. Staff members joined in as judges, sampling each dish and evaluating whether it could be a future Slammers menu item.

Overall Winners:

• Loaded Fries (Ms. Boom): Brock Goehrke, Jandayi Jackson, Jamiya McClain, Erick Mejorada-Leon
• Wings (Ms. Boom): Fire Blanket Wings – Luke Featherstone, Edgar Serna, Daniel Lizardi

Category Winner:

• Loaded Fries (Ms. Marciante): Emma Del Toro, Yadira Mesnia Moran, Yoselin Renteria, Manuela Rodriguez Bermudez

Ms. O’Malley’s Classes:

• Period 3 – “Flamin’ Hot Fast Balls”: Mia Antomez, Scott Nowacki, Andres Pedroza, Rolando Herrera
• Period 4 – “Route 66 Birria Blitz”: Alan Campagne, Alan Martinez-Jauregui, Andrew Fair, Brandon Bernal, Yandel Caballero Esquivel
• Period 6 – “Birria Consommé”: Linda Rodriguez, William Cruz, Mia Garcia, Tristan Jackson
• Period 7 – “Flamin’ Hot Fast Balls”: Alexis Hernandez Rosales, Lilia Barbosa, Mariah Hernandez, Hector Cintron
• Period 8 – “Flamin’ Hot Fast Balls”: Miles Tyler, Anthony Cisneros, Ryo Gutierrez

Mrs. Hager’s Classes:

• Period 2 – “The Grand Slam Panini”: Andrew Klobnak, Ben Koch, Jack Rasmussen, Yerik Flores
• Period 5 – “The Parole Officer”: Chase Baranski, Aaryn Clayton, Joseph Jaburek
• Period 7 – “The Great Ham-Bino”: Andrew Markun, Luke Domain
• Period 8 – “The Slammin’ Mango Tango Panini”: Eowyn Polaczek, Tylor Jimerson, Addison Atilano, Morgan Kelley

Take a look at the pictures from this amazing experience:
West Culinary Slammers Stadium Challenge 2026

JTHS extends a special thanks to Ms. Jasmine Rosenboom, Mrs. Ryann Hager, Ms. Michelle O’Malley, and Ms. Arena Marciante for guiding students through this innovative, hands-on experience; and to Joel Sigel for inspiring the next generation of culinary talent!