He's not just any fan. He's a Grizzlies Superfan.
University of Memphis sophomore biology major Nick Tutor waschosen as the Memphis Grizzlies Superfan during the Grizzlies'final home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at The PyramidApril 16.
The Grizzlies' fans submitted photos or videos and an essaytelling why they should be chosen as the Superfan.
Tutor heard about the contest on the radio and knew he wasperfect for the title, but he was unsure about his chances ofwinning and almost didn't enter. However, his parents also heardthe ad on the radio and encouraged him to enter, and he did.
Over 1,000 people entered the contest in one month. The judgestook a week to decide on the top six, and Grizzlies fans voted fortheir favorite fan through the team's Web site.
Summer Owens, U of M alumni and Grizzlies marketing coordinator,said nearly 50,000 people voted online for the contestants.
"(Tutor's video) was good, it showed he was a true fan," Owenssaid.
Tutor's video consisted of funny skits with his friends andpictures of his Grizzlies memorabilia. In his room, Tutor hasarticles about the Grizzlies and a shelf full of bobble heads,flyers, ticket stubs, programs, towels, hats and anything withGrizzlies on it.
Owens said Tutor collected Grizzlies merchandise, went to allthe home games and even some away games. If he wasn't able to makeit to away games, he watched them on television or listened to themon the radio.
The top three individuals went to Fan Appreciation Night at thelast home game, where portions of their videos were shown on theJumboTron. Audience applause for each contestant determined thewinner.
At the halftime show, Tutor said he wore a Grizzlies hat, aJason Williams jersey and a foam Grizzlies paw. During the contest,Tutor whipped off his jersey to show the words "Go Griz" written onhis chest and "Get Loud!" on his back. Tutor said he swung thejersey around his head as he ran around throwing candy to the crowdfrom his cargo shorts.
"I did anything and everything I could to win," Tutor said. "Ifelt I deserved a first place victory."
Although this was the first year the Grizzlies held the contest,it won't be the last.
"This was the first year we did (the contest), and this issomething we plan to do annually," Owens said. "The main goal wasthat we realized we had a lot of fans, and we wanted to recognizethem and draw attention to the Web site and crowds to thegame."
Tutor said even though his team did not win many games, hethinks they could be one of the best teams in a few years becausethey have a lot of talent. He said they have a lot of potential, agreat coach and Jerry West, who Tutor said is one of the bestthings to happen to the organization.
"I go to all the games and it gets really expensive," Tutorsaid. "I'm a huge fan, and there are not many people like mebecause they don't win many games."
Tutor said winning was a dream come true, and an extra perk isthat he gets to come back next year as the reigning champ to handhis title over to the new winner.
