It's hard not to feel like an underachiever when this is your genetics.

I'm not going to lie, it has taken me a while to come to terms with the fact that I may never have a mustache as glorious as either of these worn by my father. Easier to come to terms with is the fact that I will never wear a plaid tie and red jacket.

Redshirt Freshman Ready for Next September

Top recruit, Rich M., decided to delay participation in the 2008 Mustache Month in order to lengthen his eligibility.

Rich M. said he was looking forward to being a proud participant in 2009 but was unsure which style of mustache he would grow. “It will either be the gringo, connoisseur or regent” said Rich; however, he provided no timetable on when a decision would be made. “Well, maybe not the connoisseur” laughed Rich after seeing Andy B’s version on day 4 of the 5 day challenge.

Rich M's prior experience (go-tee) and strong machismo made him a potential candidate to see the mustacheibration this year, but the 6-foot, 190-pounder from Seattle, Washington said he needs more time to prepare. “I’m not ready and I will need more time to prepare” said Rich.

Based on this photo, I’d say Rich is ready for Primetime!!!

Challenge - Day 5

Various people around the office had their opinions on which 5th day stach to go with. Many wanted the Hitler stach (more politically correct term = Regent). Others wanted the pencil-thin. I decided to go with the pencil-thin above the lip. The only problem is apparently my hair isn't dark enough to pull it off.

My girlfriend and others informed me it isn't visible enough - even from fairly close range. So...

Be Proud of Who You Are and What You Can Grow

One thing I've learned from this experience is the true value of being able to grow something you can honestly call your own. Growing a mustache is not just about trying to "Be Cool" and fit in with the rest of the Rusted out Camaro Driving crowd. It is something of a personal journey, where man and mustache form a special bond. It is this bond that forms who we are, as mustache wearing men, and in some respects, is what forms how other "view" us.

Let us not dwell on the negative view that others have on mustaches, as we have come to realize that our creations are part of us. And when someone "disses" your stache, just ask yourself, "Is this person even worthy of experiencing the mere sight of my creation?"

"M" is for Mustache. Thats good enough for me.

Since the doubters have spoken, here is the proof of my mustache prowess. I've been using it to creep out literally 100s of University of Montana co-eds every day. Gosh, I love Mustache Month!

Challenge - Day 4

Today's stach is my favorite so far, just because it's so stinkin' ridiculous. Did people used to actually sport this on purpose? If so, I miss those days.

Tom O., I'm beggging you to grow one of these. For the sake of humanity, do it!

Stach-gate 2008!

From the CBS Breaking News Desk, this just in:

With all of today's distractions (such as the Banking industry bailout, the war in Iraq, and news of people on the East Coast actually being able to grow facial hair) today was the first day anyone noticed that there is not a single picture of Ryan sporting a mustache during Mustache Month 2008.

Anonymous sources close to "The Stachist" claim that he has in fact NOT yet grown a mustache this year and is holding out until 2 days before the final celebration. These same sources also believe that Ryan moved to po-dunk Montana primarily to escape his duties as Mustache Manager. A few local residents also claim to have witnessed Mr. Arthun yelling, "Mu-WaHaHaHa" while rubbing his hands against his hairless upper-lip.

Ryan could not be reached for comment. As this crisis continues, global markets continue to plunge.