Students take to stage to compete for title

By Nicole LaPrade

After several hours of intense competition last Tuesday evening, freshman Ross Nelson from the Communitas Residential Learning Community, was announced as this year's Mr. RLC.

The event, which was sponsored by the Residence Hall Association, showcased the eight representatives from each of the University's communities in Market Square at 9:30 p.m.

The young men displayed a wide range of unique talents, from an acoustic version of R. Kelly's "Remix to Ignition," to a creative demonstration of electricity. A magic trick and a piano piece were others talents featured in the first-annual competition.

The new event drew such an impressive crowd that the contestants and the announcer, Lindsey Scott-Florez, were barely heard over the shouts and chants by groups from the different communities.

"I had a whole cheering section, and that really meant a lot to me," said Alpha's Tim Robles, who was the No. 2 runner-up. He had one of the largest groups of fans and many of his supporters made signs and T-shirts showing their support.

Unity members cheered for their representative, Diego Flores, while they donned RLC T-shirts.

"I think it brought our Unity community a lot closer together, especially since (Mr. RLC) was the day after our contest," said Diego Flores, the reigning Mr. Unity.

Contestants agreed that one high point of the event was learning and performing the opening dance, choreographed by last year's Mr. Alpha-Arts, Karl Kuehn.

Winner, Nelson of Communitas, said he enjoyed "meeting the guys and having some good ole' fun competition."

According to RHA council President, Nick Cantrick, the idea for the contest originated in the Alpha-Arts Community Council,

"I think (the event) brought different RLC's closer together because they're competing against each other in a fun way," said Flores, who believes that events like this help to increase school spirit.

Flores said he looks forward to seeing this event get bigger and better in the coming years, perhaps even adding a Miss RLC contest as well.

û Contact Nicole LaPrade at (408) 554-4546 or nlaprade@scu.edu.