ESPN Local man to compete on debut of reality show

Paul Zander is trying to get his friend, Bobby Scott, into the World Series of Poker.
BRISTOL, Conn. -- When ESPN delves into its first dose of reality television, there will be a Youngstown connection.
Paul Zander, 24, of Youngstown, will be a contestant tonight at 10 when the cable network debuts its first reality series, "I'd Do Anything."
ESPN says eight one-hour episodes of the series have been produced and will air Tuesdays at 10 p.m.
The concept of the show is that sports fans with an unlikely fantasy (playing golf with Tiger Woods or tennis with Serena Williams) can have their dream come true if a friend succeeds at winning the challenges presented on "I'd Do Anything."
During the show, contestants are challenged with tasks and the winners' friends or loved ones will see a fervent sports fantasy come true.
What's at stake
If Zander succeeds, his friend, Bobby Scott of Youngstown, will see his fantasy of playing in the "World Series of Poker" become reality.
"Our viewers have embraced reality programming and 'I'd Do Anything' will raise the bar for the genre in a unique fashion," said Mark Shapiro, ESPN executive vice president of programming and production.
"We will give true fanatics out there the chance to prove how far they'll go to help another fulfill a dream," Shapiro said.
George Gray from "Weakest Link" and "Junkyard Wars," is the show's host.
The producers say three contestants will compete in an elimination-style competition. Possible tasks include making a solo punt return without blockers against a professional football team and dropping soccer balls into a goal while strapped to the wing of a bi-plane in flight.
"These contestants are the ultimate team players," Shapiro said. "Our viewers will appreciate their efforts because that's what they see on our air all the time: people pushing the limits of their abilities -- in the heat of competition -- to get the win."