Some Mount Stories

[hamcoboiler]

My Dad is a 71' Purdue grad and I think I have heard all his stories about the Rocket. He never missed a home game and loves to talk about the 74 Mount would have had against Iowa.

He told me this one today, in 1970 the most famous person in the world, Neil Armstrong, came back to Purdue with some moon rocks. Of course when he was introduced the crowd gave him a big ovation, but when Neil took the microphone he said "It is appropriate that I brought these moon rocks to the launch pad of the Rocket." That delivered an even louder ovation from the crowd.

Then Neil had Rick stand up and shoot a few deep shots (in his pants and sweater) Mount missed his first two and then burried the next 3.

Somewhat hart to imagine that scene today, but a cool story I thought others would enjoy. Any other board members there for that?

 

[Do Dah Day]

That was one of the few times Mount attended anything that was not basketball related. I was in several classes with him over the years ... He usually made the first class ... usually ... and at times if he needed a nap, he'd come take one in class ... That never diminished my respect for him, just a look at the non-basketball side. If it wasn't hunting, fishing, or basketball, well ...

Also, no one has mentioned that Mount was the first High School athlete to ever be on the cover of Sports Illustrated. That was a HUGE deal when it happened.

 

[ChuckJr]

I started at Purdue in the fall of 64. I lived in the Pike house right across from the old field house and a block from Mackey. I never missed a game during my 5 years at Purdue including the opener against UCLA. I also played against Rick in summer league games. There has never been anyone I have seen shoot that was better than the Rocket. If the 3 point shot was in play back the he would have averaged in the 40's as he would have looked for that shot. He was very shy and not particularly friendly unless you were talking basketball, hunting or fishing.

 

[PU pit bull]

That was one of the few times Mount attended anything that was not basketball related. I was in several classes with him over the years ... He usually made the first class ... usually ... and at times if he needed a nap, he'd come take one in class ... That never diminished my respect for him, just a look at the non-basketball side. If it wasn't hunting, fishing, or basketball, well ...

Also, no one has mentioned that Mount was the first High School athlete to ever be on the cover of Sports Illustrated. That was a HUGE deal when it happened.

More to your point.........