LOUISVILLE, CO – When not immersed in conveying the basics of scientific research to students at one of Colorado’s top high schools, Monarch High School Teacher Tony Tolbert was training this year and ultimately competing as a contestant on the “American Gladiators” television show. The first episode featuring Tony will air June 9.
Tony became involved with the show earlier this year when “American Gladiator” was having a casting call at CU Boulder one Saturday. He waited 10 hours to try out. Tony was always a fan of the earlier version of the show because, “it showed Americans in such a positive light.”
After surviving the open casting call and being called back for two more interviews while the show’s crew was still in Colorado, Tony had to make a short video of his life that also explained why he was right for the show.
“I am a science teacher in one of the top schools in one of the top districts in the country and I can hold my own,” says Tony. “They liked me and asked me to come out for a ‘boot camp.’"
As a preliminary contestant, he was challenged by physical activities as well as given a full background and physical check. Tony then came back to Monarch High to teach for almost two weeks before he was notified that he was going to be on the show. He flew to Los Angeles for nearly four weeks while taking an unpaid leave of absence in order to compete.
Tony is now back teaching and getting his science students ready for finals. He sums up the effect that this experience has had on his teaching by pointing out the quote at the end of every one of his emails, “Stay Strong! Stay Positive! ‘Be part of the solution not the problem.’"
“Another way to say it is to strive for the best and the rest will all fall into place. My students know me and that I always have high expectations,” states Tony.
Here is the link to the “American Gladiator” website:
http://www.nbc.com/American_Gladiators/contestants/season_2/tony_tolbert.shtml