America's Best Mustaches

The American Moustache Institute is handing out the 2009 Robert Goulet Mustached American of the Year award. Like the late mustachioed entertainer for whom the award is named, all entrants (and their facial hair) must contribute to the "mustached way of life" to be a contender, according to the organization's Web site. The winner will be announced at the organization's 'Stache Bash party in St. Louis on Oct. 30.

Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger

Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the pilot who successfully landed a U.S. Airways plane in the Hudson River on Jan. 15, 2009, is among the contenders for Mustached American of the Year. He is seen here at home in his kitchen in Danville, Calif., with Katie Couric on Jan. 30.

Eric H. Holder

According to the American Mustache Institute's Web site, Eric H. Holder Jr., is the first mustached American to be attorney general since 1945.

David Axelrod

According to the American Mustache Institute's Web site, David Axelrod, longtime democratic operative and top advisor to President Obama, is known to be very sensitive about his gray mustache despite his calm public demeanor. He is seen here during an appeareance on "Face the Nation."

Dan Snarr

Dan Snarr, the Mayor of Murray, Utah, is famous for his handlebar mustache. Snarr had the handlebars clipped earlier this year for charity. Residents of Murray each donated $1 to vote over whether he should trim his mustache. Thousands voted -- and the bars were clipped!

Clay Zevada

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Clay Zavada, famous for his handlebar mustache, has had a rocky baseball career. Originally terminated by the team after failing to report to spring training following the death of his father, he is back on board with his 'stache in full force.

Brendan Ryan

Cardinal players together grew mustaches, which many believe was the secret weapon that propelled them to the top of their division (like the fabled Oakland A's of the 1970s). Once the mustaches were gone, their reign was over. However, shortstop Brendan Ryan, an avid fan of the mustached look, has continued rocking the 'stache.

Jon Chattman

Jon Chattman, co-author of "Sweet 'Stache" and founder of thecheappop.com, respects the 'stache so much he went after Brad Pitt, whom he termed "Mr. Sexy," challenging the actor to a "Stash-off." Chattman was peeved the actor, who was a "mustache-come-lately," was stealing thunder from other 'stached gods.

J-Stache

J-Stache (also known as John Oates' mustache) is also nominated. Oates, half of the musical duo Hall & Oates, dominated MTV in the 1980s. His mustache was so iconic it now has its very own cartoon. Alas, J-Stache and other cartoon votegetters were disqualified, as they would not be able to sign an ethics agreement.

John Yeutter

John Yeutter, accounting professor at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma, tried to one-up the competition by matching his 'stache to his wardrobe. Anyone can grow handlebars. Only Yeutter can rock the green 'stache.

Bill Geist

CBS News "Sunday Morning" correspondent Bill Geist chronicles some of the quirkiest people and places in America. The tables have turned and his own quirkiness is being highlighted with a nomination for Mustached American of the Year. He'll be attending the 'Stache Bash to document the proceedings -- and maybe come home with a trophy.

The Winner - By a Hair

On October 30, 2009 Clay Zavada (and his handlebar) was declared this year's winner. More than 100,000 online votes were cast. "I am humbled that so many people in America care about mustaches," Zavada said, who added his grandmother was "really fired up about me winning." The event was a benefit for Challenger Baseball, a St. Louis baseball league for kids and adults with developmental disabilities.