Eric Anerino, an English teacher and cross-country coach at Metea Valley High School in Aurora, soon may be receiving a deluge of attention from women.

“Eric was chosen by Cosmopolitan magazine to represent Illinois in their Bachelor of the Year contest,” said his brother Brian, 31, who lives in Woodridge. “He’s having a lot of fun with this, and we’re all working to keep him levelheaded about it. It’s kind of a tongue-in-cheek thing, but he’s a great kid with a great personality.”

Eric, who grew up in Naperville, is a little floored by it all.

“I was understandably stunned when I found out that I won Illinois, because this began as something fun that my friend, Elise, signed me up for,” he said. “After I received more information about the contest, I contacted my administrators who were extremely supportive. My friends, family, and entire school have all been incredible throughout this short experience, which has helped me to simply enjoy it.”

There are four brothers in the Anerino family, Brian said, and the other boys have been giving their younger sibling “a lot of ribbing” over his newfound celebrity status.

Voting is at www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/bachelors-2012 and closes Oct. 18. Brian Anerino said his brother, 25, plans to fly to New York sometime late next week for the announcement of the national winner.

Sun-Times Media