Workout leads to pinup
Hollywood isn't the only place where talent is "discovered." Our own Buckeye State capital provided a tinsel-town magic for Brian Adelsperger.
The 1990 Calvert High School graduate was pumping iron at an Ohio State University fitness facility when he was spa tied by a talent scout. It was Brian's bulging triceps and rippling abdominals that attracted Sean Ashbrook's attention.
Ashbrook, an OSU alumni, was looking a new batch of muscle-bound males to feature in his 1993 "Campus Men® " calendar. In its fifth year, the calendar showcases the finely-toned forms of OSU students. A separate version, titled "Women of the Scarlet & Gray" highlights coeds. Both calendars are private ventures, not sanctioned or connected with the university.
"What Sean does is basically hand pick his models. He'll go to fitness clubs or like the bookstores and ask you if you'd like to be on the calendar," says Brian.
A modeling novice, the 5-fool-7-inch, 145 pounder admits to initially being leery about Ashbrook's offer.
"I was like, 'Me?' " Brian says. "I was kind of shocked first and then I was just surprised."
Intrigued by the opportunity and the chance for an all-expense paid, 17-day trip to Key West, the junior mechanical engineering student decided to give modeling a try. He and 11 other OSU men traveled to the tiny island located off the southern lip of Florida in June.
"The first four days was our lime. We could do whatever we wanted, but we had to get sun," says Brian.
Then it was time to get to work. In groups of two or three models and a hairdresser, Adelsperger took his "discoveries" on shoots around the island. They traveled by bicycle, slopping when a particular scene inspired the calendar creator.
Adelsperger also served as sole photographer for the venture.
"He let us basically decide what we wanted to wear and how provocative we wanted to pose," says Brian.
The calendar includes 95 photos. Each month is anchored by a large, individual shot of each model. Smaller, candid shots are scattered throughout the remaining pages. The men covered the gamut in their poses. Some wear shorts and lank tops, others jeans and singlets and a few bared it all for the sake of school spirit.
Brian's portrait, chosen for the month of August, shows the former high school wrestler wearing a Speedo-style swimsuit and striking a muscle-man pose in front of a palm tree. A second, smaller photo of the Tiffinite appears on the calendar 's back cover. It takes a behind-the-scenes look at how the larger shot was taken.
Although Brian is pleased with the results, he has taken some ribbing about being a pinup.
"My friends laugh and make little jokes," he says.
And what about mom and dad (Larry and Jeanie Adelsperger)?
"They don't say much. They like it, but then, I don't know if they really like it," says Brian.
"Campus Men® " is being distributed in Ohio and southern Florida. In addition, each of the models is acting as a sales agent. Brian, who is home an Christmas break, has copies available locally. They can be purchased by calling 447-290l.
Based on his experience, Brian says he would consider striking a pose for the 1994 edition.
"It was.fun. It we great," he says. Plus it gave the unattached 20-year-old a chance to meet a few southern ladies.
Originally published Dec. 22, 1992. Story © Tiffin Advertiser-Tribune. This text is exactly as published.
