June 15, 2004

FAIRFAX, Va. - Former George Mason University wrestler Timothy Sean Carrigan (1995-97) is one of 30 semifinalists - 15 men and 15 women - on the new reality television series "Next Action Star," which aired Monday evening on NBC and continues tonight at 8 p.m. Carrigan beat out thousands of hopefuls in a nationwide search to make the semifinal list.

Auditions were held in various cities including New York, Atlanta and Los Angeles. The 30 semifinalists were then chosen to come to Hollywood to compete. The following information was taken from the "Next Action Star" web site (http://www.nbc.com/nbc/Next_Action_Star), which describes the new series:

"In this new reality series from Joel Silver, the executive producer of the box-office blockbusters 'Matrix' and 'Die Hard,' daring, charismatic men and women from across the country compete against one another to become America's next high-powered male and female action heroes, winning not only a cash prize, but the chance to star in the NBC movie, 'Hit Me'(working title) produced by Silver Pictures. Over the course of 10 one-hour episodes, the 14 finalists are given the star treatment, living together in a Hollywood Hills mansion, while enduring a rigorous schedule that includes daily acting lessons, combat and stunt training, underwater work, descender training, race car driving and wirework. Each week, the climax of the episode will be a film screen-test, involving a breath-taking stunt action sequence competition -- and each week one pair of contestants will be eliminated -- until the final two are named the Next Action Stars -- earning the chance to star in the series' finale on August 11 (9-11 p.m. ET)."

Carrigan, a transfer from Manhattan College, wrestled for George Mason in 1995-96 and 1996-97 and was a teammate of current Patriot assistant coach Mark Weader. As a junior, he competed in the 167-pound weight class, earning a second-place finish at the Colonial Athletic Association Championships. Carrigan was a tri-captain for his 1996-97 senior season and posted a 23-13 overall mark, wrestling at 177 pounds. He had an overall record of 38-27 in two years with the Patriots.

A graduate with a degree in communications, Carrigan is also an accomplished boxer, having won several Golden Gloves and amateur boxing titles.