About the Contest
Since Mr. Detroit Eagle 2008 will compete at International Mr. Leather 2008 in Chicago on Memorial Day weekend this contest followed a similar format to that used at IML. Prior to the stage appearances each contestant was privately interviewed by the panel of judges. This was a non-scoring round to help formulate the judges' opinion and understanding of the contestants' involvement in and knowledge of the leather community. Each contestant made three appearances on stage and answered a question presented by the Emcee. In each round the contested presented themselves in the different images: round one, "bar/cruise wear", round two in a jockstrap and round three in "full leather".
The judges gave each contestant a score of 0 - 100 for each round. Scores were tabulated using the Olympic style of scoring eliminating the lowest and highest scores then calculating the remaining scores. The contestant with the highest total for all three rounds was awarded the title Mr. Detroit Eagle 2008.
The winner received a prize package that includes hotel accommodations for IML 2008, a title vest, free cover at all Detroit Eagle events during his title year and a bar tab for the Detroit Eagle.
The Judges & Emcee
Spot, International Mr. Bootblack 2007 - A IMB 2007 Spot has traveled the world attending leather events where he sometimes serves as a judge or tally master for leather contests. Prior to becoming IMB 2007 Spot held the title Great Lakes Bootblack 2006. He is sought out by groups such as LIFE Detroit to conduct workshops on Puppy Play and Bootblacking. You will find some of the most influential leathermen and women sitting in Spots bootblack stand at events like CLAW, DARK Weekend and MML.
Randy Wrisinger, Mr. Michigan Leather 2008 - Selected as Mr. Michigan Leather 2008 in September, Randy is a native of the state of Missouri. Recently he relocated to Huntington Woods MI with his partner Rich. The two of them enjoy traveling to leather and bear events across the country. Randy also served as Mr. Dixie Belle Leather 2005 placing as a top 20 finalist at IML that year. He has judged, coordinated and emceed numerous leather contests in Missouri, Iowa and Oklahoma.
Rev. Mark Bidwell, Pastor of MCC Detroit - Rev. Bidwell is a prominent leader in the Detroit LGBT community and he identifies as a leatherman. He has judged local leather contests throughout the years and has led workshops and discussion groups about the leather lifestyle at conferences for Metropolitan Community Churches. He lives in Ferndale with his husband of 8 years Greg.
John L. - John is a regular of the Detroit Eagle and has been a fixture in the Detroit leather community for many years. He is an experienced judge of the Mr. Detroit Eagle having judges the contest in the past.
Bryan Parker, Mr. Detroit Eagle 2007 - During the preliminary rounds of IML Bryan placed and impressive 6ht out of 52 contestants granting him a spot to compete in the final rounds at the Chicago Theatre as one of the Top 20 Finalists. He is a member of ICON Detroit and an associate member of Nimbus, a voting member of the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom. Bryan also serves as Chair of Lay Ministry Council for MCC's 40,000 members worldwide.
Mike G., Emcee - Mike has been apart of the Detroit leather community for many years and has emceed the Mr. Detroit Eagle contest sice its beginning in 1991. Mike lead Trident Detroit for 8 years and Trident International for 4 years.