PHOTO BY JAKE AUERBACH Myles Anderson, former Mr. Red Raider, is not quite ready to relinquish his throne.
Many students have seen “Toddlers in Tiaras” and the Miss America Pageant. Now take away the tears and tutus and add some testosterone and feats of manliness, and the show could almost be the second annual Mr. Red Raider Pageant.
The pageant will feature men from across campus competing for the coveted sash and crown. The competition will take place at 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20 in Christ Chapel.
Most of the features of the competition will be the same as last year’s pageant. Each contestant must compete in four events — the Group Dance, Formal Wear, Talent Show and Question and Answer.
Event organizers Elle Helmkamp and Alexis Graves have added some exciting new features.
“Mr. Congeniality and Mr. Red Raider would still be judges’ choice, but there would also be a People’s Choice winner that the audience could vote on by texting,” Graves said.
This will allow for a little more audience participation, and give students a voice in who is named the winner.
“We are planning on utilizing Twitter for the Q&A portion of the competition, so have some good questions ready,” Graves said.
Another change is that contestants this year are required to submit a form and audition tape rather than just having students nominate other peers they think would be good contestants.
The organizers of the event are hoping this year will be even more entertaining than last year.
To get an inside look at what it takes to be Mr. Red Raider, the reigning king, Myles Anderson, answered some questions.
Q: So Mr. Red Raider, when you first heard about the pageant last year, how much convincing did it take for you to sign up?
A: Initially, I didn’t want to do it, but once a couple people had nominated me, I said, “What the hay!?”
Q: Looking back on the competition, what was your favorite event? What event do you think really sealed the title for you?
A: My favorite was the talent, and I think that was honestly my strongest event too. Being able to conquer a gnarly looking lion in front of my peers is definitely something that will be going on resumes in the future.
Q: How has life changed for you now that you possess the respected title of Mr. Red Raider?
A: I don’t know how to put this, but I’m kind of a big deal … People know me. Nah, I’m just kidding, but I’ve honestly had people I don’t know come up and recognize me. There were a lot of people there I guess.
Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring young Raider who is trying to dethrone you?
A: Well, I’d say, “Check yo’ self before you reck yo’ self.” Or, I’d just tell them to be outgoing and don’t be afraid to look stupid.
Q: So, I’ve been hearing rumors that the king might be making a run for back-to- back titles. Any truth to that?
A: That’s the truest thing I’ve ever heard. You bet I’ll be back, back and stronger than ever. Back in Black.
