Vian student’s ‘goofy haircut’ earns him third in national contest

Logan Lease admits that “to some, it may look like just some goofy haircut.”

But for the 13-year-old eighth grader who lives in Gore and attends school in Vian, “to me and my family, it’s a reflection of the young man I’ve become. It tells a story that only a few will understand.”

What’s hard for some to understand is “business in the front, party in the back.” It’s the 1980s hairstyle called a mullet.

And in nationwide online voting, judging and fundraising, Lease recently finished third in the USA Mullet Championships teen division. Kane Grissinger of Key West, Fla., took top honors, and Aiden Burk of Lake Charles, La., was runner-up. First place received $1,000, second place took home $750 and Lease, in third place, pocketed $500.

The annual competition raised $176,799.30 this year, proceeds that go to Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors to benefit military veterans.

Having sported the hairstyle made famous by Brian Bosworth, Rod Stewart, David Bowie and Patrick Swayze for the past two years, Lease is in no hurry to cut his locks. After all, he says family and friends “think it’s cool” that he wears a mullet.

A year ago when he competed in the kids division, Lease didn’t make it past the first round. But in his first year in the teen division, he blew into the final round of Top 10 before finishing third.

While he can’t pinpoint any advantages or disadvantages to wearing a mullet, he says the hairstyle does set him apart from others.

And while the top spot eluded him this year, he’s still got plenty of reasons for not only a party in the back, but a party all around.

Because, as he will tell you, he wears his mullet “like a champ.”