Many people know Palatine resident Chris Connelly as a 42-year-old husband and father of two boys, but Connelly made history last year by winning the ESPN Zone’s Ultimate Couch Potato Contest. For his efforts, he collected a nice leather recliner, a plasma TV and plenty of game cards for his sons to use at the restaurant.
Connelly returns Sunday to defend his crown against three more challengers eyeing big prizes and possible eye drops too.
The rules: Watchers get a five-minute break every hour and a 15-minute break every eight hours. Otherwise, each viewer must constantly look at the screen.
How long did you last year?
We started at 9 a.m. on a Sunday and went through the night, then it was down to two people, and the second person bailed out at 20 hours exactly. I think it was their bladder that did it.
That damned bladder. Does it every time.
Yeah, you have to be careful.
What did you watch?
A lot of live sports, but ESPN replayed some stuff, too, the end of that dramatic Ohio State (football) win because there’s not a lot on in the morning hours.
Did you ever sick of sports to the point where you’d like to click over to something else?
They don’t give you the remote control.
Ouch. OK, can you share your secrets with others?
Oh, so you want me to share my secret with the competition?
That’s exactly what I want you to do.
Well the main thing is not to drink a lot. I’m not a big drinker, and drinking makes you want to get up and make a trip.
Light on the drinks, got it. And what about food?
I nibble, no big meals.
Again, for the obvious reason.
Right.
The world record for watching TV is like 69 hours and 48 minutes.
Talk about not having a life. That’s amazing.
So you don’t dream about that? Because some guys might.
No, I’m fine doing what I do.
So when the contest is all over, what will you do to relax?
Sleep. Last year I took a nap and spent the rest of the day with my family catching up.
