An upcoming "American Ninja Warrior" episode will have an Easton resident and Phillipsburg teacher.
In true ninja fashion, Timothy Bream and Greg Smith snuck by each other unnoticed.
"If I would have found him, I would have given him a hard time," Bream said with a laugh.
It was a joke, of course. Bream is an Easton resident and Smith a Phillipsburg teacher, setting up what could have been a new and unusual chapter in the cross-river sports rivalry as both competed on NBC's "American Ninja Warrior."
Timothy Bream, of Easton, says he chose to train for "American Ninja Warrior" as a way to deal with grief after his father's death in 2013. (Courtesy photo)But the two men -- both seeking new directions in life -- instead independently found a supportive community among the TV show's challenging obstacle course.
"American Ninja Warrior," now in its eighth season, held a qualifying round last month in Philadelphia, in which Bream and Smith competed. Top finishers advance to a local finals round, and then to the national finals in Las Vegas where a $1 million grand prize awaits.
The episode is scheduled to air June 27.
Smith, a Phillipsburg High School algebra teacher, relished the chance to compete in the physical challenge just three years after beating testicular cancer through chemotherapy and major surgery.
Bream's motivation was also deeply personal. Before his father died of lung cancer in 2013, they watched the show together -- "I said, yeah, I could do that," Bream recalled.
In the "dark times" that followed, the 35-year-old decided to follow through with his boast. He found ways to do his specialized training -- which he said includes the martial art muay tai -- at regular gyms and in local parks.
He was selected to compete this year, his second time trying out for the show.
"Just being on the show and competing is really fun for me and helps keep me motivated to stay fit," he said.
Both Bream and Smith described a spirit of camaraderie the night of the competition. Everyone wanted to advance, but there was a dialogue among competitors about how to beat the obstacles.
"The community for ninjas is awesome," Smith said. "Everyone has got your back."
Bream said he quietly took it all in, which may be how he missed Smith. But he said he enjoyed the experience.
When his 14-year-old nephew Alex told Bream he was proud of his uncle's accomplishment, Bream said that moment made all the training worth it.
"That moment right there was the most special thing to me," Bream said. "It showed me that I can make in impact with something that is positive."
Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and find him on Facebook.
