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Health & Fitness

On the Beat in the Chicago Rush End Zone

Once again, I had a unique view of all of the fun at a Chicago Rush game.

The last time I wrote about the Chicago Rush, I wrote about having the best seat in the house (right next to legendary broadcaster Les Grobstein).  Once again, thanks to the hospitality of the Director of Marketing and Public Relations Mike McLaughlin and Chicago Rush, I was able to experience the game from a completely different and unique point of view.  For Sunday’s big 45-14 defeat of the Pittsburgh Power, I had another great seat, in the back of the end zone.

 

Sunday started with me arriving early and heading to the field to soak in some pre-game action.  I immediately saw some very nice passes being thrown…by new Rush owner David Staral.  (I am really starting to like Staral.)  Soon, Staral gave way to the players taking the field.  Then he came over to greet me.  (I am really starting to really like Staral.)  Seriously, he is a great guy!

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I next met Shanon Lersch, the in-game host.  Shanon, Miss Illinois USA 2008, is in her second year with the Rush.  She goes on the field, in the stands and everywhere in between as the ringmaster for such games as the hamster ball race.  If there is any lengthy stoppage of the game, chances are Shanon will fill it with some form of entertainment.  Check out the accompanying interview with Shanon.

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I did go upstairs and take my usual spot by Grobstein, but Matt and I decided to check out the end zone view.  We made our way down there and nestled into an empty spot among the other journalists.  As my friend Chuck says, “We’re all professionals.”

 

The view was not great, when the action was way on the other side of the field, but it was the coolest thing to just stand there with other reporters, Bruiser (Rush mascot), Shanon and a few other staffers.  At this point, it isn’t strictly about the view.  It is about being surrounded by the fans, having the plays unfold right in front of you and experiencing what the players see and hear.

 

When the plays started coming towards us, the excitement picked up even more.  The players were literally within yards of us at times.  Touchdowns, kicks and incomplete passes brought the action right to us.  I felt like I was in a video game.

 

We have all seen the random people standing on the sidelines and in the end zones at games.  Even as I stood there, I couldn’t believe I was there.  It was another surreal experience, courtesy of the Rush.

 

Aside from the action on the field, I also focused on the fans in the stands.  Those fans can get really loud.  At several points, I wanted to join them in their cheering.  Sometimes it is very hard to not show the excitement I feel and the fun I am having.

 

After the game, I had a brief interview with the Power’s Offensive Coordinator (former Bears quarterback) Mike Tomczak.  Though rushed for time, he gave us his thoughts on returning to Chicago as a coach.

 

I also talked to Reggie Gray, one of the stars of the day.  Reggie was all smiles.  (He was almost as happy as I was!)  Reggie talked about the team turnaround and the positive direction.

 

Can you tell I really enjoyed myself?  All jokes aside though, you don’t have to be a star wide receiver or a fledgling reporter to have a great time at a Rush game.  I encourage everyone to come out and see a game.  You might even meet Shanon, Bruiser, David Staral and possibly one very excited reporter trying to remain professional.

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