Brian, Groomsman

Brian (or simply Tirpak, or Tirps.  Our Canadian pals affectionately know him as Tripod.)

Brian works for the Steelers.  And he annoyingly loves it when you introduce him like that.  He's kind of a modest guy, and around Pittsburgh, when someone hears that you work for the Steelers...well, you can imagine.  (What's Mike Tomlin like?  Does Mr. Rooney know you my name?  Do you get to touch Troy's hair?  Can you get me Hines Ward's autograph?  Tickets?!?)  He's pretty fortunate to be working for the team he grew up cheering for, and I'm pretty sure he knows that.  But when you see some of the video work he does, you quickly realize that he's very deserving of his position.

I met Brian at RMU when I was doing Colonial Sports Center.  Before he came aboard, I was producing the show, anchoring, reporting, editing (more like attempting to edit).  I knew nothing about TV, so I was spending countless hours and late nights trying to put out this live weekly show, that maybe a handful of people watched.  My final year, Brian came aboard to help produce the show, so I could simply concentrate on hosting...which is what I really enjoyed.  CSC got exponentially better.

** side note: the cult classic video Former Colonial Sports Center Anchors Who Went On To Other Things will definitely be part of the "Jess and Gary Video Hour" to be shown in the Warhol's Theatre come the big day (more deets to come on that - stay tuned) **

After my final show, we celebrated and we partied.  We've been hanging out on a regular basis ever since.  Brian's probably witnessed more of my air guitar sessions than anyone else we know.  Being a little younger than me, I've had a good time bending his willing ear to a lot of classic punk and 90's indie rock that I grew up loving. Tirpak either digs most of my musical tastes, or he's a tremendous faker.  Either way, we keep inviting him back :)

Brian's also one of the most reliable people I know (a trait the Steelers surely saw in him), and he's always ready to lend a helping hand.  He's also one of the most respectful young chaps I know, and Jess and I are both proud to call him a close pal.  Since moving back to Pittsburgh, he's become one of my best friends and we've shared a lot of amazing times over the past 6-7 years.  Stiffler loves his Uncle Brian, as well.