A Surprise Phone Call

January 19, 2007 ·

About a year ago, I wrote about the night that UNLV named their basketball court after Jerry Tarkanian. But, I didn’t write about what happened before the game.

Coach Tarkanian was out on the concourse signing copies of his book. I already had the book at home but I wanted to get a copy for my dad anyway so I purchased another one and had Tark sign it for my dad. Also, I had written a thank you letter to give him. The letter wasn’t anything special. I just told him how much the Rebels meant to me growing up and how I appreciated all the work that went into his coaching. I told him that my dad and I always had such great times when we went to watch the Rebels and the nights they won and lost the championship were highlights/lowlights of my childhood.

When we got up to the front of the line and he signed the book I got a little nervous. It was my first time meeting him and I had wanted to my whole life. Candace ending up giving him the letter for me because I was too nervous. (That’s very, very uncharacteristic of me. It was strange.)

Well, I thought that was the end of it but I got a surprise phone call last night, over a year since I gave him the letter.

Lois Tarkanian, Coach’s wife, called and said that she had found the letter on Jerry’s desk and when she read it she was really touched. She said that it meant a lot to her and Coach that I loved the Rebels so much and she thanked me for the letter. She also asked if she could send me a couple of Jerry Tarkanian’s Rebel tickets. I was floored and accepted without hesitation. It was great! I couldn’t help but think of all the recruits and players that she has mothered over the years. It felt cool that she took the time to call me.

We already have season tickets to the game, but these tickets will be special. I can’t decide whether I’m more excited becuase they are right on the court across from the player bench or because they are Coach Tarkanian’s seats and I get to sit in them. I suppose I’ll enjoy both factors.

Comments

7 Responses to “A Surprise Phone Call”

Jamie 2 on January 19th, 2007 7:46 am

I think it’s such a great quality to take the extra time to write (or call, as the wife did) just to say thanks. Neat story, Brian.
Your Mom on January 19th, 2007 9:40 am

I agree…that was classy! Note: I remember trying to decide if it was ok for you to stay up late on school nights (when you were young) so you could go to the games!
Kyle on January 19th, 2007 11:20 am

Its truly amazing the affect of certain words, from a certain person, can have on someone.
candace on January 19th, 2007 12:08 pm

And I thought I was the only girl who could make him blush. We definitely had a fun time last night with that phone call.
Jamie on January 19th, 2007 12:34 pm

What good women- Candace and Tark’s wife. It’s neat that they appreciate their fans over the years.
Erica on January 20th, 2007 8:05 pm

that is tight brian! i love reading ur blogs! they are cool to read. for once i actually like to read. haha. u are so lucky. i wish something lucky would happen to me. haha. oh ya im going to have a nephew. lol. well see u on sunday.
Shaun on January 23rd, 2007 8:58 am

I still can’t believe you were nervous. It’s awesome you got a chance to meet a hero!