Aggie to appear on American Gladiator

By: Angel Hadnott

Posted: 7/7/08

In reality television all Aggies go to Hollywood. Jason Castro recently appeared on Fox's American Idol, and former student, Tim Oliphant will appear on American Gladiator, 7 p.m. Monday on NBC.

Oliphant, who graduated from Texas A&M in 1997, now works in the marketing department at Kanakuk, a Christian sports camp. With Oliphant's long time passion for sports that range from ultimate Frisbee to football, it was no surprise to his co-workers that Tim wanted to audition for American Gladiator.

To audition for the show, Oliphant sent in a five minute video tape that showed his talents in the areas of athletics, adventure, and art. Oliphant and seventy-nine other people were chosen to fly to Los Angeles for the final selection.

"The final selection process consisted of medical tests, physical tests and camera tests," Oliphant said. "Once the process was over, I was flown home and waited for the call."

Oliphant received the call notifying him that he had been chosen on April 10 and on April 16 was flown out to Los Angeles for the competition.

The competition occurred at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena and lasted three and a half weeks.

"It was really tough and exhausting," Oliphant said. "To me, the show was much harder from a mental perspective".

When asked about their feelings on Oliphant being American Gladiator, co-worker Jay Holden said, "we are big fans of Tim and support him 100 percent in his run to be the American Gladiator Champion.

"The taping of the show and all the things that go with that have taken a lot of time, but Tim just works harder to get his job done," Holden said. "American Gladiator won't change Tim, it will make him even more focused, stronger and able to lead those he works with."

Oliphant said being on American Gladiator was a dream come true.

"I was extremely blessed and fortunate to be chosen for the show because I was one of 40 contenders to make the show out of 13,000 applicants," he said. "I soaked up every minute of it and couldn't thank God enough for the opportunity."

Oliphant said he felt like the 12th Man when he was on American Gladiator.

"I'm a little runt compared to everyone else," he said to himself during the taping of the show, "how am I going to do anything against these guys? Well, I suited up and I got put in. I played with my whole heart, and I didn't give up. That's what the 12th Man taught me… always be ready for your chance to get in and when you do get your chance, give it all you've got."

Oliphant's advice to the new and upcoming Aggies is to get involved.

"There are so many things to do at A&M … You'll never have as many opportunities at your fingertips as you do at A&M. Nor will you be surrounded by a more amazing, diverse group of folks than you are right now. Don't be a two percenter. Get involved!"