GLADIATOR CHALLENGE: TOUR COMES TO CAPE mARCH 28

Contender and Gladiator, each armed with seven-foot pugil sticks, stand on separate four-foot diameter platforms, 16 inches apart. The Contender has 30 seconds to knock the Gladiator off his or her platform without being knocked off in the process. Points are scored by the Contender's success in knocking off the Gladiator or how long the Contender is able to last on the pedestal.

Describes "The Joust," one of several American Gladiator events designed to test physical strength, endurance and guts.

They're coming to test you. The American Gladiators live touring show is scheduled to appear at the Show Me Center March 25. And if you dare, you can be a contender.

"Anyone can try out, but they are only going to choose the ones who are fit enough to compete," said Christopher Washko, events coordinator at the Show Me Center. Tryouts for the show will be held March 8.

Eight "contenders" will be chosen to take on Ice, Laser, Gemini, Nitro and the other Gladiators. Four alternates will also be chosen.

Promoters expect about 300 people to try out in Cape Girardeau. Many of them won't make it, said Kyle Carriere, tour promoter.

"You'd be amazed at the quality of athlete competing," he said. "If you make it through the stages, you're pretty good."

The stages are a series of endurance and strength tests each potential competitor will have to pass before becoming a contender. And they definitely aren't child's play.

Each potential contender will be required to compete in events such as pushups, 40-yard dash, hand bike, powerball and jousting. Carriere warns potential competitors to be ready.

"A lot of people do it for the fun of it and to see if they can make it through the tryouts," Carriere said. "Some don't realize how hard it is. They think they've got a legitimate chance when they don't."

Four men and four women will be chosen to take on the Gladiators in Cape Girardeau. Four alternates, two men and two women, also will be chosen. All competitors have to be at least 18. Anyone interested in trying out should call the Show Me Center at 651-2297.

Ten American Gladiators will compete one-on-one against eight local contenders in various competitions, just like the ones seen on television. They include the Joust, the Wall, the Eliminator, Assault, Powerball, Atlasphere and Breakthrough & Conquer.

The Cape Girardeau show will not be televised, but top point winners from local contenders will be selected to compete for the national American Gladiators championships in Atlantic City in May.

The Gladiators are in top physical condition, but that doesn't stop them from getting a real workout during the competition, Carriere said.

"The participants and the Gladiators are exhausted after the events," he said.

Carrier said the American Gladiators show, syndicated for about two years, has become a major success.

Washko agrees. "I think there are a lot of closet Gladiator fans out there," he said. "And this will be set up just like the show. The Show Me Center will be turned into the Gladiator Arena."