24 is a perfect number of initial contestants. The competition began yesterday with a clean shaven face and will last until Halloween weekend. Here is a breakdown of all the competitors in no particular order. Take a good look now ladies, because in two months these boys will be men.

Tony Boersma (T-Storm)

T-Storm is beaming with confidence. The grin he posesses says, "I'm going to win this tomorrow."

Tom Paradiso

Tom is a beard growing Olympian. He's currently residing in OKC while he trains to be an Olympic Rower.

Robert Malmstrom

Roberts shirt says enough. Robert was also the first to send his picture in which puts him at an hourly advantage. Coming out the gate strong.

Matt Byers

On his way to work, ready to conquer the world with beard majesty.

Luke Stephens

I've known Luke for a long time and know that he can downright grow a beard. However, hesitation is Lukes biggest fault when growing a beard, he's email read, "Boom.  No promises on how long I keep this up though."

Luke also writes for Twenty Something Mag and runs his own blog "Every Girl I've Ever Kissed." Check them both out.

Kyle Vincent

Kenneth White

John Paul Widener

Jorge Becerra

John Metcalf

John Metcalf is a fellow employee of Tree & Leaf. Since this is a judged event, all's fair. John can grow a heck of a mustache, and his eyes are always open this wide.

Jim Pierce

JD Epperson

JD Epperson is number 1 and gunning for gold with a beamish grin!

Greg Gilpin

At the end of the competition, most of these guys will shave their beards. For this guy, it's just the beginning. Greg Gilpin is my father and is also Santa Claus in the winter. He also hasn't shaved his mustache off in almost two decades...kids these days.

Dru Monk

Another fierce competitor. Don't let the Eddie Hascal look fool you, he's cut throat.

Clinton Trench

This guy is serious. He sent pictures of the arsenal of razors he used to clean shave. It included two elecric razors and a Gilette Mach 7 blade razor (which doesn't go on sell to the public for two years.)

Chris Farris

Caleb Stevenson

This is an intimidating look.

Caleb Lack and Son

This father/son duo will be competing as a team. While Caleb is allegedly very capable of growing a beard, I have a feeling that his son will be carrying most of the weight through this competition.

Bryan Mathews

Brian Pelts

Brian's email is as follows:

"This is the smooth canvas on which I will create beardly art.

Sincerely,

Brian Pelts

Future Beard-Growing Champion"

Just so everyone knows. I highly encourage smack talk. Excellent work Brian.

Brandon Shores

Andy Boatman

Very glad to have Andy join us for this competition. Andy is a glass blower at Blue Sage Studios An amazing artist, teacher, and host of a striking resemblance to Benjamin Franklin.

Craig Delano

Craig was a last minute entry! Make sure you send your email photos to beard@treeandleafclothing.com!

Dusty Gilpin

I'm not in it for the prizes. I'm in it for the glory. I can't host this competition without flexing my own beard-growing skills graced upon me by my forefathers. Let's do this.

Contestants MUST email a progress photo EVERY THURSDAY. This will allow the competition to end right before Halloween. Keep up the good works. We'll see you in a week.

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