By Francine Garrone
An Armstrong County man will appear on a nationally televised reality show. Chet Welch of Bethel was chosen to test his strength as one of 10 ultra-fan tribe castaways in "Survivor: Micronesia -- Fans vs. Faves." The show premieres Feb. 7 on CBS. "It is the only reality TV show I ever wanted to go on and the only one I will do," Welch said. Without auditioning for the chance to outwit other castaways, Welch said he never expected to receive a phone interview with Erika Shay, a "Survivor" casting agent.
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"Three years ago, I sent a videotape in. And from the video, from the last three years, there were phone interviews and paperwork," Welch said.
The interview tape highlighted different aspects of Welch's life, including the work he does at Omnicare Pharmacy of Pittsburgh, West, in Robinson, and for the Miss Armstrong County and Miss America pageants.
Welch arrived on the Rock Islands of Palau, Micronesia, a week before the start of filming Oct. 29. He returned home after the competition ended Dec. 6.
Welch was obligated to not reveal who was crowned "Sole Survivor."
He warned viewers, though, of the emotional strains that were put on the castaways.
"I really think that they are going to see it is a very brutal, emotional, physical experience. And, going into it, I thought I was probably very, very, very prepared in every way," Welch said.
"But I was only about 25 percent prepared and everybody felt the same way. There is no way to be prepared to compete in a game like this."
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