Fairhope woman Krista Klumpp part of “Survivor: Redemption Island”
By Wade KwonFairhope native Krista Klumpp will be competing
for $1 million on “Survivor: Redemption Island.”
Sure, Auburn won a national championship by outwitting, outplaying and outlasting 22 other players.
But could the football team do it in jungles of Nicaragua? As solo contestants? For 39 days?
No, Cam Newton isn’t running away to be a reality TV star. But former Auburn head cheerleader Krista Klumpp will compete on CBS’ “Survivor: Redemption Island.” The 25-year-old pharmaceutical sales rep lives in Columbia, S.C., but grew up in Fairhope.
She graduated from Auburn University in 2008 with a degree in mass communications. Klumpp was also Miss Phenix City, making it to fourth runner-up for Miss Alabama USA in 2007 and 2009.
“I’m really proud to be from Alabama, growing up a true Southerner,” Klumpp says. “It might sound weird, but I’m real excited about not having to wash my hair for 39 days.”
Photo: Auburn Athletics
Krista Klumpp cheers for Auburn behind
ESPN commentator Lee Corso during “College GameDay.”
Her contestant bio on the “Survivor” website has a few more details …
- Tribe: Zapatera
- Current residence: Columbia, S.C.
- Personal claim to fame: Being elected head cheerleader at Auburn University is my personal claim to fame. I then became a second generation Auburn University head cheerleader.
- Inspiration in life: My grandparents who were married for 67 years.
- Hobbies: Water sports, traveling and running.
- Pet peeve: When people wear sunglasses inside.
- Three words to describe you: Driven, competitive and approachable.
- “Survivor” contestant you are most like: I thought I was most like Natalie White because we had such similar backgrounds, but I expect to play the game with a little more edge. [White won her season in Samoa by defeating the notorious Russell Hantz. Like Klumpp, is a Southerner, in this case from Arkansas and a pharmaceutical sales rep.]
- Reason for being on “Survivor”: To prove that a former cheerleader and pageant girl can win the hardest game ever. Also, the money! If anyone says anything different, they are lying!
Other fun facts about Klumpp …
- Her great-grandfather Steve Riggs and a friend invented the one and only processed cheese product, Velveeta, she says.
- Her grandfather, her parents and her older sister attended Auburn.
- Her mother was an Auburn cheerleader during the late 1970s.
- The movies she can’t live without? “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.”
The 22nd season will take place in Nicaragua, like the preceding season. Eighteen contestants compete for the grand prize of $1 million. In a new twist this season, those voted off will not be sent home but instead to Redemption Island to continue on limited food and other supplies. That castaway will compete with the next eliminated contestant to remain.
While 16 contestants were revealed Wednesday, two mystery contestants were held back. [Spoiler alert: Do NOT read the next paragraph if you don’t want to know the other two contestants.]
Most online experts say that Russell Hantz will return for his third season and “Boston Rob” Mariano for his fourth. The two previously faced off in 2010’s “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” against previous winner James “J.T.” Thomas of Mobile. Mariano battled in his first season, “Survivor: Marquesas,” Birmingham native Paschal English and the eventual winner, Troy University alum Vecepia Towery. Neither Hantz nor Mariano has ever finished higher than second place.
Video: Krista Klumpp talks about her background
and sizes up the other contestants.
“Survivor: Redemption Island” will air at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS 42, starting Feb. 16.
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“Survivor” fans: If you would like to write recaps and features
for Wade on Birmingham, please contact me for details.
Friday, January 14, 2011, 3:29 am
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Wade Kwon, Wade Kwon and Joey T. Joey T said: RT @WadeOnTweets former Auburn cheerleader Krista Klumpp part of “Survivor: Redemption Island”: http://itswa.de/kk-survivor […]
Wednesday, February 16, 2011, 7:04 am
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Thursday, February 17, 2011, 11:59 am
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