Mr. GCU Contestants Gun for 'Medal of Manliness' in Arena Competition

By Michael Ferraresi Published February 4, 2013

By Cooper Nelson
GCU News Bureau

Ten of the most rootinest, tootinest of GCU’s campus cowboys will shoot it out in a winner-take-all talent competition in GCU Arena at 8 p.m. Thursday.

When the gun smoke settles, one man will be left standing — and crowned Mr. GCU. This year’s 11th annual Mr. GCU pageant follows a Wild West theme. So expect lots of boots, cowboy hats and facial hair.

The 10 peer-nominated contestants will compete in swimwear, talent and formalwear.

GCU's student involvement manager, Sarah Thatcher, said the Wild West theme was selected for its historically macho qualities and as a theme fans would enjoy.

The pageant of manliness will be judged by former Mr. GCU winner Chris Borowy, GCU senior Kadria Young, Sedona Hall resident director Victoria Leith, and Dean of Students Pastor Tim Griffin. The emcees for the event are Lindsey Fatherly, a sophomore RA from Canyon Hall, and Melody Propheter, a sophomore RA from Prescott Hall.

This year’s event includes only juniors and seniors, unlike past years.

“We wanted to make something that honors juniors and seniors and builds excitement for freshmen and sophomores, that makes them want to compete and win when they’re juniors and seniors,” said Anthony Mann, GCU student activities coordinator and a past Mr. GCU.

Men, lock up your wives. Small children, avert your eyes. Here are the 10 contestants fighting for GCU’s ultimate medal of manliness: