Adolph Rupp and the Olympic Games

[JPS]

A while ago I waswatching ESPN Classic where they had a special on the 1972 US Olympic team's loss to the Soviet Union in the gold medal game.

During the documentary, there was something mentioned that I found extremely interesting but had never heard before. They said that when it came time to name a coach of the team, the AAU faction favored naming Adolph Rupp while the collegiate faction favored naming someone like a Dean Smith etc. The compromise candidate turned out to be Henry Iba.

Does anyone remember this, and if so, is there any additional information about this. (or is there anywhere I could look that discusses this) For example, did Rupp openly campaign for this position ? Would his health have allowed him do this ?

Thanks

Jon

[CANT STANDCARDSII]

JPS wrote: A while ago I waswatching ESPN Classic where they had a special on the 1972 US Olympic team's loss to the Soviet Union in the gold medal game.

During the documentary, there was something mentioned that I found extremely interesting but had never heard before. They said that when it came time to name a coach of the team, the AAU faction favored naming Adolph Rupp while the collegiate faction favored naming someone like a Dean Smith etc. The compromise candidate turned out to be Henry Iba.

Does anyone remember this, and if so, is there any additional information about this. (or is there anywhere I could look that discusses this) For example, did Rupp openly campaign for this position ? Would his health have allowed him do this ?

Thanks

Jon
Coach Rupp at the time had Cancer,Phlebitis and Diabetes.He was adamant that he could handle the demands of the position..although the travel would have tired him beyond belief...I think that in looking back ,Mr.Iba dis a credible job,but let the Olympic referees push him around at the Munich fiasco..As far as Coach Rupp campaigning for the job...I believe he was too ill and was figthing his own battle with the UK Athletics Board to stave off mandantory retirement.