It’s the kind of competition that only two fearless men can participate in. St. Albert Catholic High School teachers Evan “Heavy” Holstein and Troy “The Boi” Bontus are engaged in a Movember match, pitting moustache against moustache, all in a quest for bragging rights, embarrassment avoidance, and most of all, raising much needed funds to benefit men’s health.
According to the combatants, things have indeed gotten hairy in an otherwise friendly face off.
“I have strong moustache game in comparison to Mr. Bontus,” Holstein declared, clearly throwing down the proverbial gauntlet.
“He had a moustache three minutes after he shaved on Nov. 1,” Bontus defended himself. “I have to work a little bit harder… but it’s come a long way since I was 18.”
It should be noted that it’s not the size of the whiskers that matters: it’s the common cause.
For several years now, the Movember movement has seen thousands of men growing moustaches during this month of the year as a way of putting a public face to the fight against prostate and testicular cancers, while also working to improve men’s mental health and suicide prevention.
These two teachers are no strangers to the effort, both having participated in the past. Bontus explained that it’s about working to make things better for everyone.
“Cancer affects everyone … but it was also going to affect men’s mental health. We thought it would be really good campaign … and we get to grow a moustache. We both have kids and we’re just thinking that if there’s a way to help prevent our kids and future generations from having to deal with these health issues then why not?”
As part of the friendly contest, organizers have been offering weekly updates. Whoever raises the least amount during each week must don an embarrassing costume for an entire school day. Because of this, Holstein tried to teach his students while wearing a chicken suit.
“Focus was a little bit distracted that day,” he remarked, scratching his duster to improve his memory.
The week after that, Bontus put on an inflatable ballerina suit to even things out.
“A large inflatable ballerina suit,” he clarified, grimacing in a way that made his handlebar moustache hook even lower toward his chin. There’s no word yet on what the next embarrassing costume will be.
So far, they have raised close to $2,000. People can lend their support by visiting www.mobro.com/teamsachs.
At the end of the month, the overall winner gets to keep his whiskers while the other must face the razor in front of the whole school. Until then, their supporters are working to boost the coffers by selling buttons featuring ‘Team Bontus’ or ‘Team Holstein’. There’s even a bake sale planned for next week where people can get their hands on some moustache cookies. Note: they aren’t made with real moustaches.
