SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (KMTR) - After promising his students an attempt last year and falling through, this year Thurston Middle School Science teacher Brian Watson is trying his best to become the next American Ninja Warrior.
For the show, teachers, police officers, firefighters and other everyday heroes turn themselves into acrobats, trying to get through difficult obstacle courses.
Watson got a full-ride scholarship to the University of Oregon for wrestling and he says he has what it takes to win, but auditioning for the show means a lot more to him than just a chance at the title.
"Even if I don't win it, it's the journey, it's fun. I just think it's a cool way to continue to challenge myself and be better and kind of be a role model for my students,” says Watson.
After his family, friends and students encouraged him to audition, Watson thought, “Hey look. Why not me? Why somebody else, from another town? I feel like it could be me or it could be anybody, so just go for it.”
In his audition video, Watson shows himself sprinting up Mt. Pisgah, wrestling, kayaking and rock climbing, all demonstrating his physical fitness. He also introduces his science class at Thurston. His students say they're thrilled he's trying to get on the show.
Other than the title of American Ninja Warrior, the show's winner also walks away with $500,000. When asked about the money, Watson said he didn't even know that was part of it. He's just looking for a new way to challenge himself.
“I’ve never had that much money, so I don’t know what I’d do [with it],” he says.
Watson says he's not sure when he'll find out whether or not he's been chosen to audition for the show, but he hopes to know within the next month. Either way, he's just happy he's lived up to the promise he made his students.
