'U' playmate holds signing

University student models for October issue of Playboy

Ann Arbor resident Kristy Kosta was one of few women who showed up Friday to meet a university students who had posed for October's issue of Playboy magazine.

Kosta - who said she was not uncomfortable standing among the resoundingly male crowd - got an autograph for her brother and boyfriend.

"No, I am not against (Playboy)," Kosta said. "It's a surprise for my brother and boyfriend. They didn't ask me to do it."

On Friday hundreds of Ann Arbor residents and University students gathered at the Stadium Party Shoppe on West Stadium Boulevard to meet School of Music senior Margaret Chmiel and Michigan State University student Erica Hiatt, two of Playboy Magazine the women who were featured in Playboy's Big 10 issue.

Organizers said the women inscribed about 2,000 autographs before the day was out.

Chmiel said she went through a difficult ordeal when deciding if she would pose naked for Playboy.

"The week before I posed, I was going through conflicting views from friends and family," Chmiel said. "It was a tough decision to make."

Chmiel said there were cosmic reasons for posing in Playboy - she said it was in the stars.

"I did it because my horoscope told me to do it," Chmiel said. "My horoscope told me I was going to be working on a Sunday."

Chmiel said that despite reservations, she does not regret being featured in Playboy.

"My boyfriend at the time really did not want me to do it," Chmiel said. "There are people that I hope do not see it."

Hiatt said she kept her audition for Playboy under wraps.

"When I tried out, I did not tell a single soul," Hiatt said. "My mom was shocked at first, but she came around."

Chmiel said she felt some discomfort while posing.

"It was really hard to pose," Chmiel said. "I was kneeling on marble and I hurt my knees."

Playboy Regional Midwest Sales Manager Ivey Espy said this month's installment of Playboy has already experienced success.

"The issue is one of the highest-volume-selling college issues of all time," Espy said, noting that the models benefit from the experience. "The girls are all individuals, and they have all had a good time."

The store's proprietor Gus Georges said Friday's crowd met his high expectations.

"I feel very proud to have Playboy here," Georges said. "Playboy is a very respectable magazine."

LSA senior Jeff Chmielewski said he was looking forward to having a personal autograph.

"I am currently single. That's why I am here," said Chmielewski, who had Chmiel sign his copy "thanks for breakfast." "It's a great excuse to miss class."

Friday's event was missing one thing - protesters.

LSA senior Michael McCarrom said there shouldn't be negative reactions to the magazine.

"This is going to be the highlight of the semester," McCarrom said.

Hiatt said she has been recognized by fellow students during everyday campus life.

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