York fans turn out for Ray Lewis' autograph

Erik Kuntz didn't mind changing his schedule around after he heard that Baltimore Ravens' linebacker Ray Lewis was coming to the West Manchester Mall to sign autographs.

Even though Kuntz, 28, isn't a Ravens fan, he knew that this was a perfect opportunity for him to surprise his 8-year old step-son, Jordan Lagana.

So the Manchester resident took the whole day off work Tuesday and skipped practice as a coach for the junior high wrestling team at York Suburban to be the first one in line for the signing. He arrived at the mall when it opened at 10 a.m. and waited more than eight hours to be first of more than 200 autograph seekers in line when Lewis began his signing shortly after 6:30 p.m. The autographs ranged in cost from $25 to $99, depending on what was signed.

The wait was worth it. Lewis signed Lagana's Ravens' jersey, which will be framed and kept as a lasting piece of memorabilia.

"It will never be worn again," said Jamie Lagana, who is Jordan's father.

While Lewis didn't have a lot of time to talk with those he was signing for, he did manage to have a playful response when Jordan Lagana informed the Ravens' superstar that he was going to take over his spot when Lewis retires.

"He said, 'OK,'" said the younger Lagana, who was wearing a purple Ravens' hoodie in addition to a big smile.

Kuntz made sure to keep Tuesday's plan a surprise from Jordan, who didn't find out what he was in for until the car ride over the to the mall.
"I thought I was going to faint," the younger Lagana said.

Lewis' signing provided a positive experience for Gettysburg's Jacob Rock. The 12-year old attended Tuesday's event with his mother, Montana Wentz, and his school mentor, Jonathan Carter.

The pairing of Carter and Rock was easily the most unique of all those who were at the signing. That's because Rock was decked out in his purple Ravens' sweatshirt, a stark contrast to Carter, who wore a Pittsburgh Steelers' jersey.

"I told him to keep his jacket on," Rock said jokingly.

Carter, 27, knew he would be at the event as soon as he heard about it. While the Pittsburgh native has always been a die-hard Steelers' fan, he nevertheless appreciates a talented player such as Lewis.

The fact that Rock, who attends Gettysburg Middle School, shares that opinion made the decision to go a no-brainer.

"He's a fan," Carter said of Rock. "You have to put friends before rivalries."

While both Carter and Rock brought the exact same picture of Lewis that they wanted signed, what they will do with the picture contrasted significantly.

No big surprise there.

"(Jacob) will probably keep his," Carter said. "I'll probably sell mine on eBay."

Click here to order Ray Lewis’s proCane Rookie Card.



(yorkdispatch.com)