Former Cat Earns Opportunity of a Lifetime during World Series

Clay Duerson thought he'd reached the pinnacle of athletics. As the Wildcat mascot from 2003-05, the Berea native traveled the state and country with the school he had adored since childhood.

"Being on top of the Wildcat Pyramid in Rupp Arena was always a highlight," said Duerson. "I loved getting to be in front of all the Big Blue Fans!"

But this fall, he snagged a central role in another favorite American pastime: major league baseball. As the winner of the Gillette Rookie Reporter Showdown, he had the opportunity to not only attend the World Series, but to be an on-air commentator for Game 2.

"There were people from big cities all across the U.S. in the competition and I didn't really know if I had a chance, so when I found out I won, I was going through the house yelling," said Duerson. "I still can't believe that I got to be an on field reporter at the World Series!"

He says the contest was a fluke from the beginning. Duerson attended a Chicago Cubs game in July and someone asked him if he wanted to enter a contest for a shot to go to the World Series.

After trying out, he found out a month later that he was one of 48 national finalists for the Gillette Rookie Reporter Showdown. That led to a trip back to Chicago to film some commercials that aired during Cubs games and were broadcast on the Major League Baseball Web site. The winner of the three-week competition was based on internet voting of videos starring the finalists. Duerson's videos earned the most votes at the end of the contest.

"I couldn’t have done it without the enormous amount of support I received from people here in Kentucky voting," said Duerson. "It has been incredible to see all the help I was given in winning this competition, and I am really grateful for all the support."

Duerson is a 2004 graduate of the Gatton College of Business and Economics and earned his Masters of Business Administration from UK in 2005.

When he's not cheering on the Wildcats and Cubs, Duerson is putting the experience he gained at UK both in class and as the Wildcat mascot to good use. He currently serves as the owner of Audience of One Entertainment, a traveling sports entertainment group which focuses on entertaining fans in Minor League Baseball.

This former Cat says his game-day acts in college helped him in his role as a reporter during the World Series.

"I think it's all about having fun…just like when I was the Cat, I really wanted to try to enjoy this experience as much as I could," said Duerson. "I love to make people laugh, so I just went out there and did my best."

To see Duerson’s World Series debut click here.