Major fan wins Matt Damon contest

This story was originally published on June 5, 2002.

Here's the way to really make someone's day: call them on their cell phone and tell them they've won a chance to meet their absolute favorite movie star.

The only catch is, it has to be true. Oh yeah, and make sure they pull off the road if they're driving.

That's how Monday ended for Cody Rayl, 25, of Boise. The phone call told him he had won The Idaho Statesman's contest for two tickets to a sold-out advance screening of Matt Damon's latest film, "The Bourne Identity" Saturday at the Egyptian Theatre.

He and a guest also will go to a post-film reception with the star and film producer Frank Marshall. The event benefits Boise Contemporary Theater.

"I'm so excited. You don't know how much I wanted to go to this, " Rayl said. "I'm just so impressed with his acting. I'm the biggest Matt Damon fan ever."

Rayl may have competition for that title. Nearly 340 people sent entries, some from as far away as Houston and Los Angeles. Each one gushed about the possibility of meeting Damon.

But Rayl lives right here in Boise. His name was drawn from a pool of correct quiz entries.

What will Rayl say to Damon if he gets the chance? Well, he's not going to sweat that one, he said.

"From what I've read, he seems like just one of the guys. I could just chill with him and be myself."

Rayl didn't chill when he got the news. He pulled off the road and took a moment to let it sink in.

"I'm still in shock, " he said.

This story was originally published May 10, 2016 at 7:43 AM with the headline "Major fan wins Matt Damon contest."