abc bachelor

'Bachelor' tells Wichitan he'd rather stay that way
BY DENISE NEIL
The Wichita Eagle
ABC: The Bachelor
Jenni Croft, the South High graduate who was one of two finalists on the 11th season of ABC's dating show "The Bachelor," didn't get the diamond ring and marriage proposal on Tuesday night's season finale.

But then, neither did her final competitor, 25-year-old Georgia real estate agent DeAnna Pappas.

Instead, in a "Bachelor" first, Texas businessman Brad Womack chose to say goodbye to both of the final contestants, saying he didn't truly love either and couldn't lie about it.

In the show's finale, Womack brought both women home to meet his family, and both meetings appeared to go well -- though his mother preferred Pappas.

The two women then had a final date with Womack, where both professed their love.

In the final scene, Womack told Croft goodbye first, leading viewers to believe he'd chosen Pappas. Then, he sent her on her way as well.

Croft, 27, is a former Wichita State University cheerleader who went on to become a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. She's also been a dancer for the National Basketball Association's Miami Heat and currently is on the dance squad for the Phoenix Suns.

In an earlier episode, she brought Womack home to Wichita to meet her family, and the date included a visit to Century II.

Both women will have a chance to tell Womack off on "The Bachelor: After the Final Rose," airing at 9 p.m. tonight on KAKE, Channel 10.

Brad Womack broke two hearts on the season finale on ABC last night by saying good-bye to both of the final two bachelorettes. Womack told both Jenni and DeAnna he cared for them deeply but he couldn't say either was the love of his life.

Womack told Jenni he wanted something more that he couldn't find with her. He told DeAnna he couldn't look her in the eye and say he loved her.

Both women cried during their final limo ride into the sunset. Tonight both women return to face Womack and get some answers. Baby Makes Three For Former Bachelorette
Trista Sutter Tries On New Title, 'Mom'

POSTED: 7:04 pm MST November 19, 2007
UPDATED: 10:08 pm MST November 19, 2007

VAIL, Colo. -- They are undoubtedly the most successful and popular couple ever to appear on the hit ABC reality show, "The Bachelor."

Fans in Colorado cheered when Bachelorette Trista Rehan fell in love with Vail firefighter Ryan Sutter, against all odds, on national television.

That was five years ago and since then millions watched their fairytale wedding on ABC and have followed their lives as they made Colorado their home.

"He's smiling. I know, I love you, buddy," said Trista to her baby boy as she rocked him in her arms in the couple's Vail home.

"I just stare at him and picture one day he'll look up at me and say mother, stop staring! It's just so much fun. Our lives have completely changed, but for the better for sure," Trista said.

Baby Maxwell came into Trista and Ryan's lives one month early on July 26, 2007.

"Every single day, this whole Max chewing on his fist thing, this was a huge celebration like three days ago. Every little thing he does to advance his awareness, whatever, makes us so happy," said Ryan.

Spending time with their family, it is clear Trista and Ryan's reality TV relationship has grown into a very grounded family.

Trista credits their move to Colorado for a lot of their marriage success.

"I think the biggest thing was coming to Colorado and making this our home and not succumbing to the Hollywood lifestyle," she said.

Ryan added, "It was certainly everything I was looking for in my life. It just came about in an unorthodox way. Now everything just seems kind of normal."

Trista said she still faithfully watches the show that started it all.

As for the men in her life, Ryan said, "Max and I feel the same about 'The Bachelor.' It makes us want to cry."

He was quick to add with a laugh, "But we support the franchise."

The Sutters said sharing their story over the years with fans has connected them to the community in a special way.

"You know marriage isn't easy, it wasn't easy for us. Having kids wasn't easy for us. They're not that different. Everybody goes through it," said Ryan.

But don't look for any Sutter reality show sequels any time in the future.

"We listen to everything. If it fits our lives and our lifestyle, great. We don't want the invasion of cameras 24 hours a day."

Ryan is still a Vail firefighter and does consulting as a side business.

In addition to motherhood, Trista has launched a new line of baby bags on eBags.com, called Trista Baby