‘Amazing’ experience

‘Amazing’ experience

lingers for Housteau

By SEAN BARRON

neighbors@vindy.com

Ray Housteau considers competitiveness and pushing himself to the limit as key to his nature.

Perhaps those qualities made him a perfect candidate to walk 350 feet above a cooling tower in Soweto, South Africa, strapped to a harness.

Even so, “It was incredibly scary,” Housteau recalled, referring to an event he took part in for his appearance on “The Amazing Race.”

Housteau, 48, an investment adviser for Boardman-based Capital Group of America, talked recently from his Canfield home about the process of auditioning for and appearing on the popular CBS reality show, as well as how the experience five years ago has changed his life.

Teams of two people, who have some type of relationship with each other, race around the world against other teams on the hourlong Emmy-award-winning show, which premiered in 2001.

Contestants try to be the first to reach “pit stops” at the end of each leg of the race to win prizes and avoid finishing last, which greatly increases the chances of being eliminated. They travel to and within countries by boat, taxi, plane, rental car and foot to search for clues to the next destination, or to direct them to perform a task — all in an effort to win the grand prize of $1 million.

For precariously traversing the tower on a rope ladder 350 feet up, Housteau and his then fianc , Deana, won two Toyota sport utility vehicles, he said.

The two were married May 21, 2005, and the wedding was featured in several magazines, as well as The Vindicator.

Housteau recalled his initial interviews in Chicago and elsewhere during the early tryouts, which led to his being called to Los Angeles for more intense sessions and being exposed to the elimination process. From there, the tension level was ratcheted up several notches, Housteau noted, explaining that he was sequestered for a while in his hotel room and not permitted to have contact with other potential contestants — or his own family.

“They wanted to see how you handle things under stress,” he said. “If I got on an elevator with another team on, I had to get off.”

Housteau endured the grueling process, then was interviewed by “powerful people at CBS,” including the show’s creators, Bertram Van Munster and his wife, Elise Doganieri.

“I was never more excited, except for the birth of my kids, when I learned I would be on the show,” Housteau recalled. “I jumped up literally and probably hit my head on the ceiling.”

Housteau also underwent an estimated 15 inoculations for malaria and other diseases, a necessity because his travels took him to three continents and 10 countries, many in South America, he said.

Despite some hardships — which included being away from his children for about four weeks — the experience has left an indelible impression on Housteau. Part of that is even captured on his vehicle’s license plate, which reads, “THNX CBS.”

Housteau said he still receives autograph requests and enjoys meeting people from all over the country. The appearance also has led to his being part of various charity competitions against contestants of other famous reality shows such as “Survivor” and “American Idol.” This year, Housteau took part in two, one each in Houston and Louisville, Ky., he said, adding that he’s also made “lifelong” friends.

In addition, fans pay to compete in the events, many of which benefit children’s charities, he continued.

In recent years, “Amazing Race” has contacted Housteau to assemble such teams, which, he said, he approaches from a business standpoint.

In addition, being on the show has allowed the father of three to learn more about himself.

Housteau’s children are 3-year-old daughter, Raegan, sons Ryan, 10, and Raymond, 13.