16 GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 26, ISSUE 4 16
ESPN analyst Dan Dakich called it the biggest
event in Mackey Arena in years.
When Mount stepped on the Mackey Arena
court Jan. 2, the capacity crowd responded with
a thunderous ovation reminiscent of his days as
a two-time All-American in 1969 and '70, a career
in which Mount scored 2,323 points, a program
record that still stands. It was an emotional mo-
ment for the Mount family, but no more so than
it was for the 15,000-some fans in attendance.
"When I walked out there, I was feeling a lit-
tle nervous," said Mount, who had half-kiddingly
voiced concern hours before the game that fans
might boo him. "When those fans started cheer-
ing and kept cheering … and here comes those
great memories. I told (high school sweetheart
and wife of 47 years) Donna, 'I hope they sit down
because I am getting a lump in my throat and I am
not sure I can talk.' But when it came out, it was
the best speech I think ever I have ever made.
