PITTSBURGH — Mike Shuck, a teacher at Fred Aiken Elementary School, has combined two of his passions and, for the time being, is living the double life of his dreams.
Shuck, 34, is a contestant on NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior.”
By day, Shuck is training his students’ minds, and by night, he’s in the gym, practicing for his moment under the lights.
“When people think of elementary school teachers, you don’t picture an American Ninja Warrior,” Shuck said.
After submitting an audition tape featuring his Aiken Elementary students, they have been along with him for the entire ride.
“I always have in the back of my mind that I have them rooting for me,” Shuck said. “I’m very competitive and I want to do this for them.”
Shuck endured a long wait before learning about his big shot on the network show.
“When time had passed, I figured the ship had sailed,” Shuck said. “’I’m not going to get the call.’ I had figured my time was up.”
Shuck may not be the biggest horse in the “American Ninja Warrior” race, but he feels his Western Pennsylvania upbringing gives him an edge.
“I think my strength is my determination,” Shuck said. “I have a lot of willpower and grit coming from that Pittsburgh atmosphere.”
Even though the man known at Mr. Shuck lives a double life inside the gym, his students aren’t unaware of his goal outside of the classroom.
“He’s just going for it,” said Allison, a student. “He’s always been really strong and into working out so I can’t imagine what it’s like for him.”
Before heading off the Philadelphia for his taping, a pep rally was held in support of Shuck.
Shuck will make an appearance on "American Ninja Warrior" on Monday, June 27.
Cox Media Group
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