2008 Woodie Awards
SRU student earns chance of lifetime
By Mike Mallory
Rocket Editor-in-Chief
Issue date: 11/11/05 Section: Life
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In the case of Slippery Rock University communication major Gary Gerson, a young man's dream became a reality.
Gerson, a student in professor Brett Barnett's broadcast announcing class, said he told Barnett he had tickets for the Detroit Red Wings against the Columbus Blue Jackets in mid-October. But little did he know, he would soon be granted the opportunity of a lifetime.
Gerson, 21, said he was ecstatic when he learned he would get to meet his favorite team, the Red Wings, and most importantly, captain Steve Yzerman. Barnett told Gerson he had several professional sports contacts in Ohio, including the Blue Jackets. He said he would attempt to get Gerson a media pass for the game.
Once the arrangements were made, Gerson was ready to go. He said he walked into the main entrance with his identification and went down the elevator to the ground level of the arena.
And the rest is history.
"I was really excited," Gerson said. "They've (the Red Wings) been my favorite team since I started playing hockey. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
As part of the experience, Gerson had the opportunity to interview several Red Wings players. Gerson said he spotted Yzerman as he got off the elevator. He asked for an interview and the request was granted.
"He's the guy I wanted to meet the most," Gerson said. "It was an unbelievable feeling, but I tried to be professional about it. I met my favorite hockey player and I'll always remember that."
Gerson said each player was accommodating to him.
"They were all really cool," Gerson said. "Like any athlete, they were easy to talk to. The experience couldn't have gone any better."
Gerson attributes the experience to networking through his professor and said he lives by the theory that you never know who you're going to meet.
"I just try to talk to as many people as I can," Gerson said.
He said the experience was a stepping stone in realizing his maturity.
"It made me feel like I can handle anything," Gerson said. "I'm ready for the real world."
