The Men Behind the Mustaches

The many-mustached men of Mr. VU showcased their talents on Thursday, March 31. This year there were nine nominees in the running for the title of Mr. VU. The categories were Mr. Leadership, Mr. Laguna, Mr. Balboa, Mr. Newport, Mr. Athletics, Mr. Fine Arts, Mr. People’s Choice, Mr. Catalina, and the newly installed Mr. Commuter.

The event itself, which started in 2008, showcases a small group of men that exhibit various aspects of Vanguard life. That night, the nine contestants went through a series of rounds that included a group dance, video presentations, two rounds of interviews and a talent segment.

This year the theme was “Mustache Men,” commemorating the tradition of Mustache March done at Vanguard. In accordance with the theme, nominees created an alter ego to go along with the mustaches they were given.

Senior John Delgado, Huntington RA, was nominated as Mr. Laguna. “It was a great honor and it felt great to be able to represent such a wonderful hall of ladies,” Delgado said.

His alter ego was Jean Delgado, aka the Love Doctor, a French relationship consultant who knows how to woo the ladies.

“Being able to be a part of Mr. VU is an experience I will always remember. It was a wonderful night with a wonderful group of men,” Delgado said.

Highlights included the first ever Mr. Commuter, Andrew Ramirez. “It really was an honor to be nominated, especially being the first Mr. Commuter. However, since Mr. Commuter was something the Commuter Reps really pushed for in SGA this year, I felt it somewhat inappropriate being a Commuter Rep and being nominated. Also, I didn’t want to create a precedent where the male commuter rep is always the “default” pick for Mr. Commuter every year,” Ramirez said.

However, after much deliberation, he agreed. He was a crowd-pleaser with his mustache persona Lieutenant Brock Plisskin.

“He is a former Delta Force operative, ex-Navy SEAL, ex-Israeli Special Forces, and former Delivery Boy. He is a shameless, no-nonsense, ego-centrical enforcer of Vanguard’s code of conduct,” Ramirez said. “He also eats nails for breakfast and enjoys reading ‘Better Homes and Gardens.’”

Although each nominee displayed talents and qualities of Mr. VU, such as reciting poetry, singing, dancing to Michael Jackson, or simply eating an ice cream sandwich, it was senior Trevor Herrera, “Mr. Athletics,” who took home the title of Mr. VU with his accents and antics.

“I’m happy to think that people think I exhibit the positive qualities that are encompassed in being nominated! This being my senior year, I’m glad to have done something that will leave a stamp on this campus and in my memory for many years to come,” Hererra said. Trevor’s alter ego was Nigel Horniningberry, an 18th century snobby British soccer player.

Junior Ellie Kaiser enjoyed her experience at the event. “This was, by far, one of the most original Mr. VU’s I have attended during my time at Vanguard,” Kaiser said. “It was fun to see my friends on stage entertaining the audience and it was a perk to recieve an unexpected rose.”

Other contestants were Mr. Leadership, David Vasquez, Mr. Balboa, Denny Reed, Mr. Newport, Kevin Strickland, Mr. Fine Arts, Brandon Arias, Mr. People’s Choice, Braulio Archer, and Mr. Catalina, Seth Tourje.