Beyond the Page

How can you not love this face?

I feel like I’ve finally hit the big time.

It’s taken years of hard  work and patience.

But here I am, a model.

It all started back in college.

I was selected to participate in our Mr. Wartburg contest. I was one of two candidates from the senior class.

Unfortunately, I came up short in that male beauty pageant. Apparently, “spinning” plates on a long wooden stick wasn’t a good enough talent. Never mind the fact they were super glued.

For the next few years, my dream of being a runway model went on the back burner. I focused on my career as a sports journalists.

But I felt there was always something missing in my life. Always a void no amount of sports reporting could fill.

That is, until the Daily Globe bridal show.

Again, I felt alive.

I had a purpose in life.

I put on my tuxedo and I walked down that runway like there was nothing else in the world that mattered.

Because at that moment, nothing did.

Unfortunately, that show only comes around once a year and the 2012 edition had already happened.

So again, I put my modeling skills away and concentrated on my other talents.

Until a I received a surprise call from Robyn from The Stag.

She wanted me to be a model in the Worthington Hospital’s fourth annual Auxiliary Fall Style Show.

I couldn’t believe it!

I once again had a modeling job. A chance to strut my stuff in front of tens — maybe even hundreds — of adoring fans.

It’s a modest gig — only one outfit — but it’s a chance to get back in the game.

I’m like an athlete trying to stretch out his playing days; I just want one more day in the sun. And who knows, I may be taking my talents to Hollywood next. This could be the launching of a great career.

The show is Oct. 11 at the American Reformed Church in Worthington. It will begin at 6 p.m. and tickets are available at the hospital gift shop.

Proceeds for this will help sponsor scholarships, purchase equipment for the ambulances and provide other extras for patients and visitors.

I won’t spoil what I will be showcasing from The Stag that night. To see that, you’ll have to buy a ticket.

And while I don’t know how many more times my phone will ring with modeling offers, I know I’m going to enjoy every moment of that runway.