No matter the outcome of last season's first round playoff game between Ohio State and Tennessee, Fiesta Sports Foundation Yellow Jacket Chip Pray was going to walk away happy.
 
Growing up outside of Dayton, Ohio, Pray cheered for the Buckeyes. Following his graduation from Centerville High, he left Big Ten country. He headed to the Southeastern Conference where he earned his degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
 
"I claim dual citizenship when it comes to my college football teams," said Pray. "My office has signed Buckeyes and Tennessee helmets. Above the door, there is an I Will Give My All for Tennessee Today! sign. It can seem to be a little strange, but I found a way to do it."
 
Pray's childhood rooting interest defeated his alma mater, 42-17, en route to the Buckeyes' ninth national championship in school history. Less than two months later, the celebrations continued for Pray when the Fiesta Sports Foundation named him the 2024-25 Yellow Jacket Committee Member of the Year.
 
First awarded following the 2011-12 season, the award recognizes an active Yellow Jacket Committee member who served on multiple committees and provided support and dedication to the organization's annual events.
 
During his three years with the Foundation, Pray's signature style has been to lead by example while exhibiting a work ethic he learned at an early age from his father.
 
"I do not recall my dad ever missing a day of work in his life," reflected Pray. "That was where my brother and I got the work ethic we have today."
 
Last season, Pray led a committee that partnered with Fiesta Sports Foundation staff to expand its Friday Night Showdown football engagement program. In addition to more games on the boys high school side, the Foundation also implemented Fiesta Bowl Flag Football Showdown to promote Arizona girls high school flag football programs.
 
"The Friday Night Showdowns are a great experience," said Pray. "It is important to support high school football throughout the state. What was fascinating was fans coming up to us in our Yellow Jackets to share their favorite Fiesta Bowl game, family memories or Wishes for Teachers moment."
 
Pray also understands the annual Bowl Season experience goes beyond the teams on the playing field. There are the fans, bands and one group that sometimes receives more focus for what the fans thought they missed rather than what they got right.
 
"My favorite part each year is hosting our game officials," said Pray. "They are critical to our success. I have been fortunate to work with an outstanding group of people on our committee - Mike Comstock, Jeff Smith and Justin Naber. We all work together to provide the officials and their families with the same first-class hospitality as our participating teams."
 
Pray was also excited to learn that the SEC crew that officiated last season's College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl was the crew to officiate the CFP National Championship in Atlanta.
 
Earning Committee Member of the Year was Pray's second major award with the Fiesta Sports Foundation in his early tenure as a Yellow Jacket. Two years ago, he received the George Leonard Rookie of Year award for his outstanding first year with the organization. This is a significant accomplishment but Pray quickly points out there was a time when he did not think any of this was possible.
 
"If not for my wife, Maureen, I may not be part of the Fiesta Sports Foundation today," said Pray. "She encouraged and pushed me to do it. There were times when I wondered if I had enough connections and had what it takes to network.
 
"She always reminds me that I wanted to be more part of the community, and this was a terrific opportunity. It is why each time I receive recognition, a big part of that belongs to her and our family."
 
Pray took a chance in 2019 when he reached out to fellow Yellow Jacket Lucas Kraut to learn more about the Fiesta Sports Foundation and its impact in the community. Respected as one of the organization's best mentors for new members and volunteers, Pray provides words of wisdom.
 
"It is important to be patient," said Pray. "The organization is big with a multitude of roles to fill. Be prepared to continue learning. Do not be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and do different things."
 
The Fiesta Sports Foundation is fortunate to have a leader like Pray who steps out of his comfort zone each year.