Fitch graduate competes on reality dating series

By Guy D’Astolfo

KENT — An Austintown native will compete with 23 other men for the attention of a supermodel on “Seducing Cindy,” a new television show on the Fox Reality Network.

Eric Chine, 23, will vie for the affection of Cindy Margolis on the series, which premieres at 9 p.m. Saturday.

The recent Kent State University graduate said trying out for the show was “a random thing.” He answered an online casting call, and a few months later was on the set in California. Shooting took place last summer.

Chine said he will be in Saturday’s episode of the weekly series, but his contract prohibits him from revealing how he ultimately fared. Contestants appear each week, as long as they are not eliminated.

The Fitch High School graduate has no experience in television or even acting in community theater. “I felt my personality and what I have to offer made me unique, that people would like me,” he said, so he gave it a shot.

“It was a lot different being in the spotlight, with cameras all around,” he noted.

Chine is a champion-caliber wrestler. He was on the Fitch squad and went to Kent on a wrestling scholarship. While at Kent, he qualified for the national tournament. He carved his name in the Kent record book by becoming one of seven wrestlers in school history to amass more than 100 career victories (he has 107).

The May 2009 graduate is pursuing a career as a personal trainer but is keeping his options open. “If any opportunities arise from the show, I would reap the benefits, either in acting or modeling,” he said.

A “Seducing Cindy” premiere party will take place Saturday night at Water Street Tavern, where Chine works, in downtown Kent. Admission is free.