Diary of a survivor
By Michael Murphy

Rick Fatica

Sophomore Teresa Keysor was the “last Bobcat standing” during a Student Alumni Board event this past fall.

Nine contestants, 48 hours, one survivor. Sound familiar?

Ohio University’s Student Alumni Board produced its own version of CBS’ insanely popular “Survivor” drama this past fall — not on a desert island but in Athens’ own Strouds Run State Park. The battle of wits, skills and strength, dubbed the “Last Bobcat Standing,” was designed to generate publicity and new members for SAB, a student group that serves the University and its alumni.

More than 50 students applied for the weekend event, and SAB officers selected nine finalists based on personal character, campus involvement and diversity.

Every three hours, contestants had to vote one of the others out of the campsite. At the end of it all, sophomore Teresa Keysor, BSJ ’03, was the “last Bobcat standing.” Excerpts from a diary she kept during the ordeal follow in italics.

Day 1: Departing society
Contestants gather at Konneker Alumni Center in their first face-to-face meeting.

3 p.m.: I nervously grasp my brown paper bag. One measly paper bag is all I can bring. How will I ever make it through? I begin to examine the people surrounding me. Only two other girls — we will have to stick together.

The first challenge, a relay race in canoes, is a test of physical endurance. Two contestants flip their crafts, ending up in the drink. Their compassionate adversaries vote the soggy contestants out of the campsite because the air is cooling quickly. Keysor and the others build a shelter.

Day 2: A long day
Darkness and cold weather challenge the seven survivors.

3 a.m.: Never again will I scorn dorm rooms. All I can think about is how cold I am. The only heat I feel is coming from the strangers I am sharing a shelter with. I have no idea where the blankets went.

10 a.m.: Our first tribal council of the day, where we again must choose someone to vote off the campsite. Out of bitterness and lack of sleep, we decide to get rid of the blanket thief. It is a harsh world.

By early afternoon, three of the six remaining competitors leave of their own accord, facing the reality that survival entails weathering all the elements, including boredom and isolation.

9 p.m.: Two boys and I remain. We are all exhausted. Delirium starts to set in. Making our flashlights into fake swords, we mimic scenes from “Star Wars.” It helps pass the time.

Day 3: The end is near
It becomes clear that the three remaining contestants have truly bonded, and the decision of who will become the sole survivor looms. A final scavenger hunt challenge eliminates one more Bobcat, leaving Keysor and contestant Mike Cusick to face the wrath of the returning competitors. By a one-vote margin, Keysor is declared the survivor.

11 a.m.: The moment of truth finally arrives. As the votes are tallied, I soon realize that I am the “last Bobcat standing.” Excited at the honor, I am also a little sad to leave the friends I have made. Flashlight wars, playing tag, roasting marshmallows — “roughing it” was pretty fun.

Michael Murphy, BSJ and BA ’02, is the Student Alumni Board’s alumni relations coordinator.