Athletics

A Stroke of Luck

N Our Voice by Travis Weber

A Stroke of Luck

I thought it was a gag at first.

When one of the Nebraska staff members asked if I wanted to participate in the “Putt for a Porsche” contest during the first half of the game, I didn’t take him seriously.

I mean, this was about as random a selection as it could get.

The invite to the game came at the last minute. 

With my aunt recovering from surgery, my uncle—a Nebraska basketball season ticket holder for as long as I can remember—had asked me to take her place on a whim.

And now I was about to compete in a contest to win a brand-new car?

I’ve been a Nebraska fan for as long as I can remember. 

My dad and I went to football, basketball and baseball games together when I was growing up. 

I’m a bit of a sports nut, you know?

My uncle’s the same way. 

We go to games all the time.

But never in a million years did I think that a game I wasn’t even supposed to attend could change my life, reconnect me with old friends and family, and give me one of the craziest experiences I’ve ever had.

Well, a random Wednesday night basketball game in January sure did.

MBBvsUSC_MJ04158Nebraska Crowd Fans Men’s Basketball vs. USC
MBBvsUSC_MJ04166Nebraska Crowd Fans Nebraska Herbie Mascot Men’s Basketball vs. USC

A Putt Away

Let me back up for a second.

I’m not what you’d call a “Porsche guy.”

I run a home inspection business and live near Lincoln, Nebraska. 

My current vehicle is the one I use for work—nothing fancy.

I went to community college here and have always been a big Huskers fan. 

Each season, I make it a point to attend all the major sporting events and cheer for Nebraska at every opportunity.

So, even a random mid-January matchup?

I’m in.

The game against USC started like any other. 

We got our usual popcorn and soda and made our way to our seats.

Then, about five minutes before tipoff, a staff member pulled me aside and asked if I wanted to enter the contest.

I signed a waiver, and 10 minutes later, I was standing on the court, facing the putt of my life.

Taking Home a Porsche

I’m a bogey golfer on a good day.

I enjoy playing, but putting has never been my strong suit.

Before I took the shot, several people told me not to hit it too soft.

But in my mind, I was thinking the opposite.

It was a slick, flat surface—how could you leave it short unless you barely tapped it?

So I lined it up and took a slow, steady stroke straight down the line.

And it worked.

Well, I think it did.

As the ball rolled past half court, Herbie Husker—the mascot—jumped in my way. 

Was it going in? I couldn’t tell!

But when I heard the crowd roar, I didn’t need any more confirmation.

It was the craziest feeling I’ve ever had.

My whole section erupted. I was giving high-fives and hugs to just about everyone around me.

And get this—all three mid-game contests that night had winners.

One fan won the $100 bill. 

Another hit the half-court shot for a free flight.

And I sank the putt.

Maybe it was meant to be.

Riding In Style

When I got back to my seat, my phone started blowing up with texts and calls.

Even while I was walking through the concourse, people were cheering for me. 

I still couldn’t believe it.

Over the next few days, local TV stations and journalists reached out to interview me. 

I even made the front page of my hometown newspaper.

I’m not someone who loves the spotlight—I’m a pretty humble guy—so all the attention was a bit overwhelming.

After the initial excitement settled, I had to wait about two months to pick up the car from the dealership due to insurance logistics.

But once I got the call, I was ready to roll.

What was waiting for me was a red Porsche Macan with a red interior — a Husker car through and through.

Driving it back from the dealership was surreal. 

I don’t think I stopped smiling the entire way home.

It handles like a dream and is definitely a head-turner in my neighborhood.

So far, I’ve only taken it out a few times, but once the weather warms up, I’ll be driving it more.

It’s definitely not the kind of car you see every day in my area.

A Dream Come True

This whole experience has been a dream come true.

I’ve reconnected with old friends I hadn’t talked to in years, and I’ve gotten to share the moment with my family.

My kids are too young to drive it, but I’ve told the rest of the family they’re welcome to take it for a spin—on one condition: no french fries in the car!

Honestly, I feel like I’ve used up all my good luck for the rest of my life—and I’m perfectly fine with that.

I’m just grateful I got to experience something like this.

Sure, my golf buddies will give me a hard time every time I have a big putt to make now, but I’ll take the pressure.

Things like this never happen.

That’s why I’ll never forget it.