Nitcy wins Bee Final Four Challenge, $100

SANDPOINT — If iconic longtime ESPN announcer Dick Vitale were calling this year’s Bee Final Four Challenge, he would describe John Nitcy as a “PTPer,” in this case prime time picker, and would say his winning the $100 cash prize was “Awesome baby, with a capital A.”

Unlike some years, the Final Four Challenge was decided before any tie-breakers were needed from the final two rounds, as retired longtime Sandpoint teacher John Nitcy beat more than 50 other entries in the annual free Final Four Challenge, and claims the $100 cash prize.

In a year with a lot of upsets on one half of the bracket, Nitcy correctly picked Michigan, Villanova and Kansas, the lone person to hit on three teams, rendering the Final Four action next week meaningless to the contest.

“I love it when the underdogs win so I would be more than happy to lose every year. You have to pick some of the blue bloods every year, unfortunately,” answered Nitcy in an email. “I thought Michigan looked very good in their conference tournament so I picked them to win. I’m now rooting for Loyola Chicago.”

Nitcy, whose whole family enjoys Gonzaga basketball, said the best thing about the Zags is that the adopted hometown team gets hims through four months of winter and is always fun to watch. He traveled Las Vegas recently for the WCC tournament, where he got to meet Dick Vitale and get a picture with the broadcaster, who is on any Mt. Rushmore of sports announcers.

“Maybe he was my good luck charm,” joked Nitcy.

Nine other contest entries hit on two Final Four teams, in Duane Abromeit, Jim Holzer, Don Holland, Rob Perron, Sandy Maras, Todd Hew, Susan Drinkard, Chad Russell and Brennan Johnson. Both Maras and Holland even had Michigan and Villanova in the finals, as did Nitcy.

Nitcy, who recently retired after 32 years of teaching, wasn’t sure what he planned to do with his prize winnings.

“I was going to buy a Montana Fishing License but I probably should make a down payment for a new couch for my wife,” he admitted. “She puts up with a lot from me.”

Nitcy’s daughter Sadie, who played tennis at Sandpoint, won this very contest several years ago, and like all of the Nitcy family, submitted a prediction while a current student at the University of Utah.

Thanks to all who entered the free challenge, and better luck next year.