Guys just wanna have fun. 

At least the contestants for Delta Zeta’s Mr. UK Pageant do. 

“They just make it really fun,” Dana Caruso, Delta Zeta Sorority’s Mr. UK Chair, said. “We have the best group of guys that we could have ever gotten.” 

DZ asked each organization on campus to have at least one participant. Burke Moore, an agriculture and medical biotechnology sophomore, is one of two representatives for Sigma Chi Fraternity. 

“We’re going to keep it light, have fun and leave it all on the stage,” Moore said.

Freshman Carlos Beasley, a chemical engineering major in Phi Sigma Kappa, was encouraged to compete by Phi Sig President Hugh Paschall, who won Mr. UK last year. Beasley hopes to continue Paschall’s legacy by being the next Mr. UK. 

“How cool would it be to have it as a Phi Sig tradition?” Beasley said. 

Senior Adam Davis, an agricultural economics major in Beta Upsilon Chi, was encouraged by his brothers to compete so they would have someone to both cheer for and make fun of, said Davis. He also needs to redeem his loss in his high school’s male pageant show, he said.

“I think I’m a good candidate because I’m a well-balanced guy who loves people and loves the Cats,” Davis said. 

Once the contestants were chosen, they practiced with DZ members. They will compete in talent, swimwear, formal wear and final question rounds. Beasley is excited to be “reconnecting with cheerleading” for his talent after tumbling for five years. 

Davis looks forward to the challenge of the question round but is nervous to wear a speedo for the first time since “swimming in the kiddie pool.” 

In addition to points gained at the pageant, the contestants have already worked to earn points, including “spirit points” from events such as restaurant nights, Mr. Photogenic, which  is based on headshots, Mr. Congeniality, which is based on the promotional videos, and fundraising. 

Fundraising has been emphasized more this year, Caruso said. She hopes to raise $40,000 this year, an increase from last year’s $35,000.

Only one contestant can become the next Mr. UK. Moore believes his strong work ethic and love for philanthropy and the university make him a great candidate. 

“This community has already given so much to me, and I’m determined to give back in any way that I can,” Moore said.

The 17th annual Mr. UK pageant is Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. in the Singletary Center. Anyone who attends the pageant can expect to laugh, said Caruso.