While we usually have a hard time linking Midwestern indie rockers with athletic pursuits, it actually seems completely logical to associate the average heartland guitar-slinger with copious quantities of unhealthy starch. As such, it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise to hear that Steve Barone -- who spent several years playing alongside Hold Steady frontman Craig Finn in the underrated Lifter Puller -- has been named world champion in the hyper-competitive, not to mention highly caloric, realm of mashed-potato wrestling.

Barone's alter-ego Steve-O Gratin took on all comers -- as well as a daunting amount of chive-laced sour cream -- in a tilt that took place in Barnesville, Minnesota. Barone's feat will no doubt warm the hearts of spud fetishists and raise the hopes of those who -- like us -- would like nothing better than to see him challenge the entire Hold Steady lineup to a Yukon Gold battle royale wherein the losers have to turn in their Bruce Springsteen fan club membership cards.