BY MELISSA CIFELLI
Staff Writer
A judge examines a sneaker’s odor at the Odor-Eaters Rotten Sneaker Contest held at the Brunswick Zone Carolier in North Brunswick. The sweet smell of victory.The scent of foul sneakers filled the Brunswick Zone Carolier Lanes in North Brunswick last week as the arena hosted not only the 62nd U.S. Open bowling tournament, but also the Odor-Eaters Rotten Sneaker Contest.
Eighteen local youngsters, who ranged in age from 5 to 15, brought in their best beat-up sneakers to be judged in the categories of odor, condition of laces and overall condition.
But top prize went to North Brunswick’s own 11-year-old Jeff Maurer.
Jeff’s sneakers beat out all other competitors with the most offensive odor, worn-out soles, frayed laces and torn toes.
Jeff, a fifth-grader at Parsons School, said he wore the winning pair, his favorite Nike sneakers, for the past three years. The shoes, Jeff said, were worn for basketball, soccer and all other outside activities.
Jeff said he first noticed a bad smell during the first year, but continued to wear them despite appeals from friends and family who asked he throw them away.
He entered the contest with eight other Parson Elementary School students but was not confident on his shoes taking first prize.
“I didn’t really think I was going to win,” Jeff said.
Three judges, with white lab coats, latex gloves and tongs, inspected each shoe. Parsons Principal Bruce Rothenberg had the opportunity to judge Jeff’s and several other of his students’ sneakers.
The sneakers, Rothenberg said, who judged on odor, were very old and horrible.
Rothenberg, who was asked to judge the event for the first time this year, said the competition was a lot of fun and one that kids really enjoyed.
Jeff’s prize included $200, which he said he will use to buy a new pair of sneakers. The prize also included a year’s supply of Odor-Eaters.
Jeff also won the Golden Sneaker Award and two tickets to the televised Professional Bowlers Association finals of the U.S. Open on Feb. 20, which were sponsored by Odor-Eaters.
As for the winning pair of sneakers, Jeff said he may not be holding on to them for much longer.
“I think I’m going to throw them away. They’re too stinky,” he said.