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Despite dashed hopes, Gentry a winner to teachersBy JOHN BALZ, Times Staff Writer© St. Petersburg Times published December 20, 2002 TAMPA -- Before Survivor came on the air Thursday night, the rumors were flying. What was that big red truck in the parking lot of Beef O' Brady's in downtown Tampa? The one with the giant dish on its roof.
It was a CBS truck and the giant dish was for a satellite hookup beamed to the network's Los Angeles studios. Actually, there were two red trucks: one in Louisiana, home of contestant Clay Jordan, and one in Tampa, home of Jan Gentry. Translation: It was between Gentry, a first-grade teacher at McKitrick Elementary in Lutz, and Jordan, a restaurant manager, for the $1-million prize. "That's what we've been hearing," said Frances Martinez, the McKitrick principal's secretary. "We've got such a good feeling. I hope we're not going to go down because we're so up right now." Martinez was among 70 McKitrick teachers and administrators who came to the local watering hole Thursday night with high hopes. As a Survivor promo flashed on the screen, the teachers, who have watched every episode, readied for their hero's next adventure. "Every time they show Jan, we take a drink," suggested Kriss Stephens, a third-grade teacher. "Pass it on." In the end, the teachers didn't follow the suggestion. Friday, after all, was a work day. A producer for WTSP-Ch. 10, the local CBS affiliate, cupped her hands for an announcement. "We're going live at 8:43, 8:53, and 9:53. We're going to get your reaction after the vote and then another shot at 10:45. That's going to be a national CBS shot." A national shot? That meant Jan had to be in the final two. Between bites of wings and burgers, the teachers cheered for Gentry while jeering her competitors. When contestant Helen Glover, a Navy swim instructor, suggested Gentry was "definitely out tonight," the unanimous reaction was: Booooooooo. When the tribe voted out Glover, Gentry shed a tear. Beef O' Brady's let out a scream. The consensus was that Jordan would win the next immunity challenge, and vote off used car salesman Brian Heidik. The tribal jury would then pick Gentry, who had no enemies, over Jordan in the final round. But Heidik's victory in the immunity challenge -- a test of endurance involving holding onto golden coins -- threw everything into chaos. Gentry became a serious threat. "She's too well-liked," said fifth-grade teacher Janette Thibodeau. She was indeed, and Heidik cast the deciding vote to kick Gentry off the island -- in third place. Her colleagues stared in disbelief and then gave Gentry a standing ovation. "We thought she'd win (the million) and never come back," said Becky Aubuchon, a fifth-grade teacher. "When she does, we'll tell her we love her." Martinez, eyes watering, was speechless.
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From the wire |
