The big men on Penn's campus took a break out of their grueling reahearsals for BMOC — AXO's annual philanthropy event — to let us in on some backstage dirt. Check these sultry dudes out this Tuesday at The Roxxy.
Street: What makes you a big man on campus? Charles Lynch: I hang out with a lot of people in off–campus fraternities and wear reasonably deep V–necks, which is pretty much the definition of a big man on campus. Zach Hochster: I don’t wear V–necks. Ryan Calvert: How much time do we have? Blake Adams: My immense size. Dan Casiero: I’m taller than your average woman/AXO. Loukas Tasigianis: My ancestors were the Greek gods. Need I say more?
Street: What is your talent? Z.H.: I can chew sunflower seeds really efficiently. I’m still trying to incorporate that into my performance. Zak Klinvex: Wouldn’t want to give anything away… but it involves heels and a leotard. Elliot Thomasson: “If you are not going to listen to my words, then I will let my dancing feet do the talking.” — Plato Will Davis: Shakin’ what my Mama gave me. Jeff Kaplan: Cirque du Soleil meets Hot Dog Eating Contest meets Chainsaw Ice Sculpting. Jordan Cogan: Dancing like a darker, slightly better looking version of Zac Efron. L.T.: I can hold my breathe under water for three and a half hours and can yodel a wild alligator to sleep, but for the show I'll be doing something romantic with my main man Jason Gorskie. Street: What would be your perfect date? C.L.: “Perfect date” is an oxymoron. Z.H.: 1920 Commons. Pizza, Cocoa Krispies, chocolate milk and waffle fries… what could be better? Dave Dobkin: Wining and dining at Will Davis’s apartment, “The Dirty.” J.K.: At Charles Plaza… with Charles. J.C.: The circus. R.C.: Walking in on Marisa Miller BBQ'ing steaks poolside on a perfect day. Boardshorts, steaks and Marisa Miller… B.A.: December 25th. Get it?
Street: Any tricks up your sleeve for getting ahead in the competition? Z.H.: I think my best chance is to sabotage the 11 other guys. Calvert’s missing a tooth; that’s not a coincidence. E.T.: I exclusively wear tank tops, so I don’t have sleeves. W.D.: Exposing the goods. I had a “wardrobe malfunction” last year that, in my opinion, had a lot to do with my success onstage. R.C.: Yes. L.T.: Don’t need any tricks when you have scruff like a champion.
Street: How did you prepare for the big day? C.L.: Well I don’t eat; I only consume a mix of lemon juice, cayenne pepper and maple syrup. I hit Pottruck several times a day, but that’s obvious. I also go tanning a lot. Joseph Anthony’s at 38th and Walnut is a really good scene. Z.H.: Watched Glee. Duh. Z.K.: I’ve been wolfing eight to ten beers on a daily basis. D.D.: After last year’s devastating loss, I devoted my offseason to splitting my time between the weightroom and the filmroom. By weightroom, I mean the dance floor, and by filmroom, I mean my mirror. W.D.: Hydration, hamstring stretches and hangover pills. J.K.: Meditating at the BioPond (and steroids). J.C.: GTL. D.C.: Two raw eggs, Muscle Milk and a grueling six minute Shake Weight session. L.T.: A lot of strenuous, physically exhausting, stress –relieving activites, if you know what I mean. I also haven’t eaten a carb in three years.
Street: The title of BMOC would make you quite the object of affection. Got your eye on anyone special? C.L.: Yes, and I definitely think mentioning her name in 34th Street is the way to get her to want to hook up with me. Z.H.: Yes, my Spanish teacher from freshman year. I hope you’re reading this, Señora. Puedo bailar toda la noche. D.D.: Hochster’s Spanish professor. W.D.: Your Mom. LOLz!! J.K.: Elliott Thomasson and Charles Lynch. Maybe we can all win. J.C.:Being called big for the first time in my life is enough for me. R.C.: At the moment, no. However, I'm definitely looking for someone to stand out from the crowd. L.T.: She knows who she is…
Street: So you think you can dance? C.L.: I never said that. Z.H.: Was Abe Lincoln honest? E.T.: I assume Strictly Funk, Dhamaka and all the other dance groups are going to be trying to recruit all 12 of us after they see our piece together. D.D.: Have you seen me at Smoke's? W.D.: Anyone can dance. I just make it look good. J.K.: L.F.G. J.C.: I don’t think. I know. R.C.: I like to let my hips do the talking, and they don't lie. B.A.: You and I both know I’m a phenomenal dancer. D.C.: No, I prefer America’s Best Dance Crew.
