Survivor star still a part of the action

Far from the Islands of Micronesia, in Barrington, Jason Siska was in another fight for survival Monday.

It might not have been as intense, or potentially profitable, as the 22-year-old Fox River Grove native's stint on the hit CBS reality show "Survivor," but Siska was giving it his all in an attempt to be crowned champion among the coaches at Barrington's Kids in Action Gymnastics program.

Monday kicked off "Survivor Week" at Kids in Action, which owner Gary Griffin said is a way to celebrate Siska, an instructor at the school, and his starring role on television this spring.

"A lot of people are 'Survivor' fans, so this has been great," Griffin said.

As part of the special week, both the students and staff at the gymnastics school are participating in a host of events, like rope climbing, parallel bar handstands and races through an obstacle course.

Siska said he was not allowed to comment for this story, per the rules of his contract with CBS. In a nod to his time on the show, however, he did show up Monday sporting "Survivor's" trademark orange buff atop his head.

Griffin said Siska, a Barrington High School graduate, has been a huge hit with the students.

"He is great with the kids," Griffin said. "He has that 'cool' factor, which they like."

Siska's growing popularity was clearly on display Monday when a group of star-struck teenage girls appeared overjoyed when the gymnastics coach posed for pictures with them.

"We just had some junior high girls in here before asking if they could come back later to see him," Griffin said, referring to another group.

Friend and Kids in Action co-worker DJ Hohmeier said the students think it's fun to see their teacher on TV each week.

"The kids have been really excited, but I am not sure they are asking for autographs yet," Hohmeier joked.

At Barrington Middle School's Prairie Campus, where Siska is student-teaching, Principal Art Fessler said the Illinois State graduate is doing great in the classroom and his stardom has not been a distraction for the kids.

While Fessler said he hasn't spoken with the students about Siska's television stint, he knows they are watching.

"I am sure they are very, very interested," Fessler said. "I am assuming they are supporting him and having some fun with it."

Fessler added he is happy with how Siska has portrayed himself, particularly in the often-harsh world of reality television.

"His behavior has been pretty good so far," Fessler said.

Hohmeier said he expects Siska's good behavior on the show to continue.

"He is a light-spirited kind of guy, so I don't think he is going to start backstabbing people," he said.

Griffin said "Survivor Week" will continue through Friday, when Siska is scheduled to make another appearance at the school, which serves about 800 area kids.

Siska isn't the only local vying for Survivor's $1 million prize this spring.

Glen Ellyn's Kathy Sleckman, who works at the Village Links golf course, is also participating.

Survivor airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays nights on CBS.

For more information on Kids in Action gymnastics, visit www.kiaga.com.