Baskren's Pre-Finals TV Quote: '70 Gable Deja Vu?

[ideamark]

Last night, when I got to see the broadcast of the 2007 NCAA finals on tape, one of the teasers for an upcoming match really caught my eye -- and ear:

"Watch me win my second NCAA title." -- Ben Askren

It reminded me of a certain other seemingly invincible wrestler with an incredible win streak and a reputation that made opponents quake in their asics: Dan Gable.

The story goes that he made a similar statement before the 1970 NCAAs. ABC's Wide World of Sports asked the Cyclone to record a message that would be played before the 142 finals. "Watch me win my third title."

Well, Larry Owings made sure that Gable would be a two-timer.

The story continues that Gable was very uncomforable about making the statement, and kept flubbing the line. Not sure if they were able to get a usable quote for TV. It's highly unlikely it was shown on the tape-delay broadcast, considering the outcome.

Imagine if Keith Gavin had been Larry Owings to Askren's Gable...

Makes you wonder if Baskren came up with the statement on his own, or if he was "encouraged" to do so by the ESPN folks.

Mark
groups.yahoo.com/group/FansOfDanGable/

[goferphan]

Konrad had to say something similar. They were in the tunnels right before they were about to walk in. I am sure if they felt too uncomfortable, they could have said no...

pretty funny though as i know Baskren would not have had an issue with that statement.

[JensenS]

I caught it too, Hendricks and Cole both said come watch me wrestle for, or attempt to win or something to that effect. The ESPN guys made mention of it, but I'd assume it was all Askren.

I said around National Duals time, he may be the only wrestler in the country that thinks more of himself than Hendricks does. Its funny too, because when he says these things its not like he's saying it in a bragging/beat his chest type manner, he says it like its just the truth, like he's saying the sky is blue.

[The Big Not Quite as Stiffy]

And I think he proved it true this year...