Survivor Season 48 contestant Mitch Guerra recently had an unforgettable experience at the NCAA men’s basketball championship game. The 34-year-old elementary P.E. teacher shared his exclusive story with PEOPLE on how he managed to attend the April 7 matchup between the Florida Gators and Houston Cougars in San Antonio, Texas, with the help of three past Survivor winners.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Mitch-Guerra-Tyson-Apostol-Wendell-Holland-Ethan-Zohn-041425-d960788659e14031b0f4eb489dbadd36.jpg)
It all started when season 27 winner Tyson Apostol posted on X that he, along with season 3 winner Ethan Zohn and their friend Thomas Obrey, had an extra ticket to the game. Mitch, who lives 180 miles away in Waco, received a text from his fellow Survivor castmate Stephanie Berger about the opportunity. Without hesitation, Mitch reached out to Tyson and decided to take a chance.
Utilizing his connections in the Survivor community, Mitch contacted season 36 winner Wendell Holland, who had played with Tyson and Ethan. With Wendell’s help, Mitch swiftly made arrangements to join the group at the game. Within hours, Mitch cancelled his plans, packed his bags, and hit the road to San Antonio for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Arriving just in time for the tip-off, Mitch met Tyson and Ethan at their hotel, where they all enjoyed the game together. Despite Florida’s victory over Houston, Mitch felt like a winner himself, cherishing the opportunity to hang out with two Survivor legends. The evening continued as they shared stories and bonded over their mutual Survivor experiences.
Mitch, affectionately known as Mitch “Curry” due to his skills in Survivor challenges, reflected on the special night and highlighted the camaraderie he experienced with Tyson, Ethan, and Wendell. For Mitch, meeting his idols and hearing their genuine stories beyond the game was a dream come true, reinforcing his sense of gratitude for the Survivor community.
Throughout his journey on Survivor season 48, Mitch has been making waves by being the first contestant with a stutter in the show’s 25-year history. His openness about his stutter and advocacy for understanding have resonated with viewers, showcasing the power of vulnerability and authenticity on national television. Mitch continues to embrace his unique story and the support he receives from his fellow castaways and Survivor family.
As the season unfolds, Mitch remains one of the standout contestants, captivating audiences with his determination and resilience. His experience at the NCAA championship game serves as a testament to his willingness to seize opportunities and connect with his peers. Mitch’s inspiring journey on Survivor and his off-screen adventures reflect the spirit of community and unity that the show fosters among its participants.
For Mitch, the evening at the championship game was not just a sporting event but a transformative experience filled with laughter, camaraderie, and shared moments of inspiration. As he navigates his Survivor journey and embraces new connections, Mitch embodies the essence of perseverance and authenticity that define his character both in and out of the game.