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Every reality TV fan has had the moment where they think, “I could do that.” Christian Ross, of 10th and Catharine streets, had that thought and did something about it. “I watched the past like five seasons [of “Survivor”] and I always wanted to apply. I applied for [season] 19 and I didn’t make it. And then I wanted to apply for 20, then they used the same people and recasted for 21 and 22,” Ross, 23, said.
Ross has made the top-100 fi nalists for the casting of Season 22, which is to be filmed back-to-back with the already-in-production Season 21 in Nicaragua. For the next leg of his audition process, Ross will be traveling to New York for a face-to-face interview with producers. “In February, I got confirmation letters, e-mails, things in the mail. I have to go do an audition the 21st of September at CBS broadcasting in New York,” Ross said. “Type my name in Google. One day someone typed ‘Christian Ross Survivor’ and all these things came up about how I might be on Season 22. It’s crazy.”
Ross filled out the online application and sent in his video for Season 19, but he didn’t make the cut. He repeated the process for seasons 21 and 22, knowing that he was the perfect contestant.
A local basketball coach uses his skills to earn a spot among the top-100 finalists of a hit CBS reality show.
“I study the game and watch the game. Basically, I have a lot of characteristics that would be really good out on the island,” Ross said.
The CBS reality show strands 20 cast members in a remote location and has them compete in a series of challenges while voting off individuals until there is a Sole Survivor — who wins $1 million. Through the 20 aired seasons of the American version, players have formed alliances, betrayed partnerships and lied their way to the top.
“Should I give some spoilers? I’m conniving, backstabbing — cause you are competing for a million — and also manipulative,” Ross said. “I’m not going to make friends. If I did, that would be great. I don’t really want to be friends with anybody.”
Though his strategy may seem harsh, the local basketball coach is not all trash talk and veiled intentions. If he brings home the top prize — which he is sure will be the case — he plans to share the wealth.
“I will definitely give back a little to the community. Since they gave me a little bit, it’d be nice to give some back,” Ross, who has resided in Bella Vista his whole life, said. “And I want to open up a business, some sort of business on the side.”
Ross lives in his childhood home, where he grew up attending Annunciation BVM, 1159 Wharton St., and St. John Neumann, formerly at 2600 Moore St.
Attending one year at Temple University, Ross has continued his own education and gotten a job coaching a seasonal basketball league at Palumbo Recreation Center, 725 S. 10th St.
“I love to coach, love the sport and then I know all about the sport, too,” Ross, who coaches ages 15 and under, said. “Coming up with my own scheme — kind of like what I’m going to do out there [on Survivor].” Ross is a South Philadelphian, something he hopes to bring to a national audience on T.V.
“Ya, pretty much soon as they see my name and see my place, of course, people will know where I’m from. I love where I’m from,” Ross said. “I’m going out there for the experience and for winning. I’ll get to meet the people and meet the cast and try and win at the same time. I’m gong to try and put Philly on the map.”
Relying on his strength, athleticism and ability to manipulate relationships, Ross is unconcerned about the location and lack of modern amenities.
“It’s going to be in Nicaragua, and I’m definitely excited to be getting out of the country. It could be scary being out in the wild,” Ross, who has not spent time living out of a city, said. However, when asked if he’s worried about battling the elements, he said: “Not at all, I go to Florida and Wildwood every summer. Being out there with 19 other random people might rattle me, but I think I’ll be fine.”
If Ross is chosen, he will spend around 39 days taping, depending on if he is eliminated. This will be the first time he has been so far and so disconnected from his family, though he knows he won’t have any trouble coping with the new lifestyle if he keeps his eyes on the prize.
“No, I’m not really worried about being away from my family at all,” Ross said. “I’m pretty sure they are going to miss me, but they saw I have a goal, I want to set a goal. I want to do this.
“I have one brother, one sister and they’re rooting for me. My parents, friends, everyone is rooting for me.”
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