By Matt VanSandt (’11)
I can't remember exactly when it was. It might have been when Brett Fuller nailed his fourth of several strikes during the first game at Roller Bowl in Athens. Or it might have been when Jon Niemuth started heating up in the second game of the night causing a competitive stir the entire establishment couldn’t ignore.
Or maybe it was when Phil Carden (’11) made the comeback of the century in the last frame of the night creating a joyous atmosphere that carried on throughout the rest of the evening.
Yes, I think that was it. I think that's when I buried my face in my hands in disbelief knowing I would never hear the end of this epic night. Peaking through my figures, I could see it in everyone’s faces…elation. It seems only appropriate that events and emotions like this always occur when Brett and Jon from AECOM Ellerbe Becket make visits to Ohio University.
Though not related through alumni status, Brett and Jon are certainly members of the Sports Administration family. Students and faculty alike always look forward to their visits knowing that good conversations and camaraderie will be aplenty. This was certainly true at dinner after bowling as the Class of 2012 joined us at Broney’s on Court Street.
Listening to Brett and Jon’s past experiences and future opportunities at AECOM Ellerbe Becket is an experience in itself. That evening, we all had a chance to learn more about sports facilities projects ranging from the Chase Field retractable roof to the new Barclay’s Center built for the New Jersey Nets. Brett and Jon always bring an interesting perspective to facilities management in Ohio University’s Sports Administration program.
The usual sounds of an MSA get-together are laughter and cheering. This evening though, with Jon and Brett in town, those sounds reverberated at an all-new level. As I was sitting there in my wooden stool at Broney’s on Thursday evening, I finally realized exactly when it was. Right about then, with everyone else standing up and me sitting down, I had a chance to actually look around. Everyone in the restaurant was either smiling or laughing because of one thing. You spend all day wishing and waiting for Jon and Brett to arrive and when they finally do, you hope it never ends.
Brett and Jon, thank you! You are always welcome in Athens.
