[Editor's Note: Amy Duncan participated in the GMAC Bowl Right Stuff Challenge as a representative of Ball State University. She has worked at the Daily News for three years. This is her first-hand account of her experiences in Mobile, Ala.]
Cheaters never win, and winners never cheat.
After my experience at the GMAC Bowl in Mobile, Ala., I know that isn't true - at least if you didn't mean to cheat. With the tug of a jersey, I went from being "the cheater" at the Sept. 29 Ball State University home football game to the grand prize winner of a new car Sunday night in the GMAC Bowl Right Stuff Challenge.
Two weeks ago I received an e-mail with a subject line that said, "You are a winner in The GMAC Bowl Right Stuff Challenge." At first I thought it was a hoax, but as I read further, I remembered I had signed up for and participated in this contest almost three months earlier.
My boyfriend, Brandon Winter, urged me to register for the Right Stuff Challenge while we tailgated before Ball State's Sept. 29 game against the University at Buffalo. He mentioned I had a chance for a scholarship and a car, but the free T-shirt hooked me immediately.
While wearing my red GMAC T-shirt, I was picked out of the crowd to compete at halftime for a $1,000 scholarship. The challenge included putting on gloves, shoulder pads, a football jersey and helmet and running 10 yards. Despite my nerves, adrenaline took over, and I thought I was winning as I ran down the field.
However, the contest referee threw a flag and told me my jersey was on backward. Then the announcer came on the speaker and said, "Amy Duncan is cheating," and the crowd quickly joined in with "cheater, cheater." Needless to say, I didn't win that day, and I went back to my seat embarrassed.
The contest became a distant memory until I received that e-mail. It went on to say I won a trip for two to Mobile, Ala., which included round-trip airfare, two nights in a hotel, two tickets to the GMAC Bowl, $100 spending money and a chance to win a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu and $6,000. I was randomly selected from students who had participated in the Right Stuff Challenge at 13 Mid-American Conference games.
I sat at my desk in shock not knowing what to think. A 33 percent chance at winning a car wasn't enough to convince me, but after Brandon told me I needed to be more spontaneous, I sent my notarized affidavit overnight and hoped for the best.
When Sunday arrived, I thought of nothing but the competition that would take place at halftime. I tried not to think about winning the car. Instead, I visualized each step of the contest. I was a football player mentally preparing for the big game.
The next thing I knew I was waiting on the sidelines at Ladd-Peebles Stadium about to take the field. The rules were almost the same, but this time I wouldn't have to run after putting on the gear. Whoever put on their gear the fastest would win the car. My competitors were two intimidating college men who seemed more familiar with football than me. One of them wore cleats.
I don't remember much after the contest referee blew the whistle to begin. I told myself to remain calm, but I panicked as I never have in my life. When I slid the helmet over my head I thought it was over. I had won the car. Then I noticed people yelling at me. "Pull your jersey down!" they screamed.
My jersey was caught under the shoulder pads, and I struggled to pull it down so that I could be declared the winner. I wasn't going to lose again. I guess I managed to pull it down before the other two because I was told, "Run to your car, Amy!"
I sprinted to the Malibu where I was swarmed with cameras and handed a ceremonial key to the car by the GMAC CEO. I got to sit inside the car for a few seconds before I was politely asked to hand the key back. I was overcome with joy, but I couldn't believe it was real. I still can't.
This week I will begin the process of ordering my car. I have $20,000 toward the Chevrolet of my choice, although I'll probably stick with the Malibu. I'll choose the color, inside finishes and any additional options. I'll also receive a check for $6,000 to cover taxes, title and license. Within a month I should be cruising the streets of Muncie in my new car, finally feeling like a winner instead of a cheater.
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