I pull into Mike and Shelley Countryman’s driveway and am met by a Dodge Dakota wrapped in a classy Seahawks motif. The driver-side door boasts a “12” covered in autographs from the team, including Derrick Coleman, who played on the Super Bowl 48 winning team.
The couple greets me at the front door of their historic home in Centralia, where warmth and enthusiasm exudes from their smiles. I’m already feeding off their excitement.
They’re excited because Seahawks representatives will be arriving shortly to shoot a commercial in the couple’s home—Mike’s “fan cave” was chosen as a winner in the Bud Light Seahawks Fan Cave contest.
“I was pretty excited to hear the news that I won,” says Mike. “I thought there was no way, because there are so many dedicated fans.”
I get a tour of the ultimate fan cave, where Mike has Super Bowl 48 projecting on a big screen. Every inch of the walls is covered in memorabilia, and the couple joke they are working on the ceiling next. A pub table is set up on one wall, decked out in Seahawks ware. A long comfy couch is ready for watching the games, decorated in in Seahawks throw pillows and blankets.
I snap a couple of photos and then the Seahawks film team arrives. The energy in the room kicks up a notch.
The crew take their time viewing all the cool items Mike has on display, from his license plate autographed by retired players, such as the legendary Michael Jackson, to his Seahawks nesting dolls, and a special “12” fan ring, custom-made in Seattle to replicate the team’s Super Bowl ring. (Rumor has it, Russell Wilson has one of the fan rings himself.) There are oohs and ahhs as they view his treasures, and comments of appreciation.
Mike has been collecting for nearly 12 years, starting when he first met Shelley—she gifted him with a football autographed by Shaun Alexander. Since then, his collection—and fandom—has grown. The two have never missed watching a game and Shelly even surprised Mike with a Valentine’s rose bouquet delivered by Blitz, the team’s mascot.
The couple point out that this is the third time the Seahawks have been in Centralia this year. First, Blitz’s Valentine surprise, then the Seahawks 12 Tour at Centralia Tiger Stadium earlier this summer, and now, to shoot Mike’s commercial.
Back in the fan cave, a cameraman zooms in on some of Mike’s best memorabilia, and the production team coaches them on how to speak into the camera. Mike gets the opportunity to share his favorite piece, a Seahawks skull, handmade by a friend. He holds the skull straight into the camera lens, a huge smile on his face.
Mike has many unique, homemade items. From painted rocks and footballs from his seven grandkids, to a quality, high-end metal helmet. Pendants, vintage gear and more complete the look, and one of my personal favorites is a book titled “100 Things Seahawks Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die.”
The couples historic home—built in 1890—seems to add to the appeal of the fan cave. Crown molding and a cool chandelier complement the space. The couple explain to me that they used to have memorabilia throughout the house, but it wasn’t long before Mike got his designated room.
“My wife said I could have a fan cave, if there was a place to hang the kids’ pictures. They were all hung in the rest of the house that evening,” laughs Mike. While the fan cave is the highlight, it’s hard to ignore the family’s bathroom, which showcases a modern shower lined with neon Seahawks colored lighting.
Shelley is perhaps as big a fan as Mike, she loves attending Seahawks festivals, like a recent one in Ocean Shores, where the couple tailgated with thousands of fans. At the time of interview, she sported a cute hat, covered with the mama autographs, such as Mama Lynch, Mama Thomas, and Mama Sherman.
“She’s a bit of an enabler,” Mike teases, and Shelley playfully laughs back. She can’t deny the accusation.
The couple are known locally, as they often participate in town celebrations, driving their truck in parades and parking at events.
The film crew begins to wrap things up, posing for a couple of pictures with Mike and Shelley, all the while congratulating and chatting like old friends.
The commercial isn’t the only part of the prize. Mike also received Bud Light-branded products to showcase in his fan cave, complete with a bar mirror. The part the couple is most excited for however, is tickets to the game where Mike’s fan cave will be featured on the videoboard—at our home game this Sunday, November 20.
