Who will take home the crown?
That was the question of the week, leading up to Sigma Delta Tau’s annual Mr. U of R male beauty pageant on Thursday night. A highly anticipated event, the Mr. U of R pageant puts on a fun show of twelve unique men who compete to win the esteemed title, showcasing their talent, wit, and of course, their good looks.
But looks aren’t everything. This event raises more than a thousand dollars each year to support SDT’s national philanthropy Prevent Child Abuse America! SDT and PCAA work to prevent the neglect and abuse of children all across America.
This year’s twelve contestants, led by the MCs Jessie Kopp and Natalie Drelles, represented organization from all over campus: Cory Chan for Sigma Phi Epsilon, Kevin McAlpine for Sigma Chi, Dan Kannen for Alpha Delta Phi, Minsoo Kim for Psi Upsilon, Mark Yde for Theta Chi, Teddy Rycroft for The Common Market, Thomas Mariano for Frisbee, Sam Lawyer for Class Council, Michael Gulston for Sigma Beta Rho, David Yang for Sigma Alpha Mu, Magnifique Nsengimama for Pan-African Students’ Association, and Ted Hancock for URFoot and Delta Upsilon.
After their introductions in formal wear and a choreographed group dance (featuring muscles and push ups), the first round this year was Holiday Wear, with each contestant dressed up as a different holiday. It was like sexy Halloween costumes, but for a pageant; think a shirtless Easter bunny with abs! During this round, the contestants answered some fun questions, prompting the audience to awww a bunch when moms and dads were named as heroes and inspirations to some of our contestants.
In the next round, contestants were free to show off their many exceptional talents. The audience was treated to electric guitar, rapping, dramatic readings, dancing, and so much more! Cory Chan even exhibited his mad french braiding skills, and Teddy Rycroft rapped over Feelin’ Myself with his own lyrics! It was an intense time of amazement for all, but who would triumph??
Once all the contestants had showcased their beauty and talent, it was time for the judges’ deliberation outside. Indulgence Dance Crew came in and totally smoked the stage with their own incredible dance moves. Then the judges returned. First announced was the Honorable Mention which went to Dan Kannen (it was hinted that giving out pumpkin pie to the judges may have helped). Kevin McAlpine won People’s Choice, meaning all of Sigma Chi voted for him – where a vote = $1 – throughout the week. Third Place went to Minsoo Kim, Second Place to David Yang…. and Mr. U of R 2015 was Ted Hancock!
Ted said his favorite part of the event was “meeting and preparing with all the other guys and the SDTs that put it together – they were all chill and made it so much fun and painless.” As for winning, he “was proud to be a DU and to be representing them. My brotherhood showed up and was so supportive. There may have even been as many DUs as SDTs there and it reminded me what brotherhood is and why I joined.” (‘:
Congrats to Ted and all the contestants for such a great show! And a huge thank you to SDT for putting on such a fun event to support Prevent Child Abuse America!