America’s bachelor of the year

Samantha Tosado

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIAN WATKINS

Credit: DKS Editors

Think Ohio doesn’t have any single, good-looking bachelors? Think again. You might recognize Ohio Bachelor of the Year winner, Brian Watkins, from Cosmopolitan’s latest issue. Watkins, who attended Hiram College and graduated in 2006, was raised in Kent. He also won this year’s Bachelor of the Year title overall.

Profiles of the contenders were posted on the Cosmo Web site where readers could vote for their favorite bachelor. A team of editors from Cosmo tallied the scores and selected 2007’s Bachelor of the Year. For winning the title, Watkins received $10,000.

Watkins was also seen on numerous television shows, such as the “Today Show,” “Access Hollywood,” “Inside Edition,” “Entertainment Tonight” and some Ohio news stations. He was also interviewed on Cosmo’s Sirius radio station.

The Stater interviewed Watkins, who is now attending graduate school in San Diego, about his accomplishments, his relationships and his experience.

Q: Who nominated you for Bachelor of the Year, and were you surprised when you won?

A: My younger sister Brittany nominated me without ever telling me. I had no idea I was even in the competition until I had already won for the state of Ohio, so needless to say, I was very surprised. As for winning the whole contest, I didn’t think I had a chance! I went into it with the mindset I had a 1-in-50 shot.

Q: Would you consider yourself the “relationship type?”

A: Yes, I would consider myself the “relationship type,” although it usually takes quite a bit of convincing to get me there!

Q: Have you had a lot of girlfriends in the past?

A: No, not really. Most of my relationships have been fairly long, so there haven’t been very many.

Q: What do you look for in a girl?

A: Good looks are always a plus, but intelligence is a must!

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: I love the water and the beach. Surfing and swimming are a few of my favorite things to do.

Q: What is your biggest weakness?

A: Nice legs!

Q: What are your thoughts about Ohio, considering you are Ohio’s Bachelor of the Year? Do you miss it now that you go to graduate school in San Diego?

A: I love Ohio, it will always be my home. Southern California is nice, but it’s not the Buckeye State!

Q: Has your life changed dramatically since you won?

A: Not really. It’s been weird seeing myself on TV, but life is back to normal.

Q: What did your friends think when you won?

A: Vegas – that’s about all that was on their minds. I bribed them with a trip to Vegas if they helped me get votes, and I actually won.

Q: Do people recognize you more?

A: I have been stopped and asked for an autograph a couple times … that’s been a little weird.

Q: Are you more of a partier type or the stay-at-home kind of guy?

A: I’m a mix of the two. I love nightlife and I love to go clubbing, but sometimes I’m just as happy chilling at home and doing nothing.

Q: What is your biggest fear?

A: George W. Bush.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish in the future?

A: I will be finished with my Master’s in Bioscience this May. After I graduate I am looking to get into consulting, working in the biotechnology industry for a few years, and then possibly going back to school for a JD (professional law degree).

For information about this year’s Bachelor of the Year, pick up the November issue of Cosmopolitan or visit www.cosmopolitan.com. Watkins said there will be a follow-up in the January issue of Cosmo, which hits stands in December.

Contact features reporter

Samantha Tosado at [email protected].