Sometimes I deserve it. I ask for it really.
This morning was no exception.
Our class took glimpse into the life of a network-level sports caster today. Syracuse University graduate and Monday Night Football play-by-play man, Mike Tirico, visited with us via Skype.
If Ron Burgandy were around he would have said it was, “kind of a big deal.” Heck, Michael Lederer even called me last night – out of breath – in excitement.
“Guess who we’re skyping tomorrow,” he said. “Mike Tirico.”
If I hadn’t been bracing myself, locked in arms with someone at the time, I probably would have fallen over. Especially since I’d just walked through the door after a three-mile run and my legs were wobbly already. Apologies to every English teacher I’ve ever had for that last (and for that matter, the current) sentence.
So, this morning at around 10AM, we called Tirico. I spent the first five minutes collecting myself. The following five minutes digesting all of the advice he was providing.
Then, my moment of truth.
He asked the class (by a show of hands) who in the group of us knew what we wanted to do, no questions asked.
I raised my hand. Proudly.
He called on another classmate and after a Q&A said, “Who else knows what they want to do? How about the guy in the front, in the baseball hat, who didn’t shower this morning.”
He was looking at me. So was the rest of the class.
Laughter ensued. Laughter at my expense. It was worth it.
I’ve been had by Mike Tirico.
The idea that a man can be so skilled at identifying “what’s happening” during any live event that even through Skype he can tell that I woke up late, rushed to class and – truthfully – did not shower is befuddling.
The rest of the time we spent speaking with Tirico was eye-opening. He provided tons of insight, great tidbits and advice.His main point: Someone else out there is younger, more ambitious and better than you – so keep working every day, as hard as you can.
A genuine guy who isn’t in the clouds by any stretch. And a pleasure to meet.
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