Annual contest features piano-playing ‘Hunk’

by KYLEE CONNOLLY

The time had come for the Hunk to be named. The audience gave a third and final drum-roll. From the look on his face, it was apparent he did not expect his name would be called.

Junior Gabe O’Neale said he was pleasantly surprised that he won “Hot Stuff,” the grand prize of the third annual Husky Hunks.. The male beauty pageant, hosted by the Student Programming Board, featured seven contestants performing in several categories in Belin Chapel April 19.

The hosts, sophomore Jade Penick and freshman Lauren Harter, brought their own quirky entertainment to the stage with their banter and by involving the audience in improvisational games, such as bringing husky audience members on stage for a muscle pose competition.

The competition began with the contestants performing a musical number, modeling their swimsuits, firemen t-shirts and iconic red, firemen helmets. Penick and Harter then took turns describing the contestants in further detail, commenting on their choice in swimsuit while summarizing their interests, hobbies and majors. The contestants were senior Aaron Cox, junior Delcio Victor Sachango, O’Neale, sophomore Carlos Grajales, sophomore Larry Freeney, freshman Arsalan Rehman and freshman Tyler Jones. The Hunks paraded around stage and showcased their personalities through different poses and facial expressions. O’Neale executed the splits during his turn, which he said was his favorite part of the night.

The guys showed confidence, performing songs, monologues, dances and martial arts for the talent portion. O’Neale, Husky Hunk 2012, played and sang an original song on keyboard. One of the judges, freshman Veronica Mueller, said that

O’Neale was so personable and the talent most impressive. The Hunks seemed to pick something that meant a lot to them and showed a new side to the audience members, such as sophomore Kelsey Engel.

“It was awesome to see the talents God gave these men and to see them showcased,” Engel said.

The four judges, Krista Nix, assistant director of student involvement; senior Beth Bottom; sophomore Shelby Fives; and Mueller gave scores to each Hunk based on the categories.

For the third and final category, the contestants changed into formal wear and were escorted on stage by members of Phi Mu. The Hunks then drew an in-depth question out of the firemen helmet and answered with personal examples. Several of the contestants responses included a spiritual emphasis.

“God definitely had his hand over this event,” Harter said.