The Real Dave Barth
February 12, 2009 | Men's Track & Field
Feb. 12, 2009
BOSTON - David Barth is not just a member of the Boston University track and field team; he is also a super-fan of BU athletics, a game show fanatic, and a fabulous story teller. He has several sides to his personality and he was adamant that every angle be exposed.
Barth was extremely professional during the first chapter of the interview; answering questions in complete sentences and nodding at the appropriate times. Despite his seamless behavior, there was something not right about the whole thing, it was as if he was itching to say more or delve into other topics.
After the first round of questions, Barth took the situation into his own hands. "I'm afraid that people aren't going to get to know the real Dave Barth," he said, which is the exact point the interview turned down an extremely comical path.
"First," said Barth, "I have to tell you the classic Dave Barth story," and so it began. Barth had previously discussed his love for game shows before he began his novel of a story, so it was no surprise when he declared his appearance on the popular TV game show The Price is Right as destiny.
Not only did Barth, by chance, acquire a ticket to the show, but he also used "eye contact" to sway the producers to put him on stage. To give you the synopsis, Barth found himself center stage next to TV host and icon Bob Barker. His hands were sweating and he described his fifteen minutes of fame as the "biggest adrenalin rush of [his] life."
He walked away with a jet ski, a giant grin and a desire for more. His fifteen minutes of fame were not going to cut it for the California boy; his next show to conquer: The Amazing Race. His eyes widened as he spoke about The Amazing Race, and like a child on Christmas morning, he nearly squealed just thinking about the opportunities such a race would bring.
While he may not be known for his game show shenanigans, Barth is known throughout the athletic department as a true super-fan. Despite his hectic schedule, Barth manages to attend several athletic events sporting a cape that also doubles as a BU flag.
As a walk-on to the BU men's track team, Barth has most definitely made his mark within the athletic department and wouldn't change anything. His main goal is to support all the athletes in whatever way he can, and he has found success as he has quite a following at events, foe of even fellow super-fans Jesus and Hot Dog.
The men's track team recently finished fourth in a battle between Boston schools, and is looking to continue their quest as America East champions. They are climbing up the rankings slowly but surely, but to clinch the America East title would be the perfect closer to Barth's career as a sprinter.
The men's track team is hosting the Valentine Invitational this weekend at the Track and Tennis Center where Barth will participate in the 55-meter and the 200_meter dash. If you can't catch him there (literally), you can also find Barth at Jackson Mann Elementary School in Allston, where he volunteers his time as a junior varsity basketball coach. If all else fails, this one-man show has also poured his heart into the Terrier Rewards program. He'll be the one at the game with the cape on, he's hard to miss.
Steph Walker is a senior in COM from Winchester, Mass., and a member of the women's lacrosse team.
