Enjoy Iowa athletics’ ‘GOAT’ era

While searching for future schedules earlier this week, I happened upon an interesting video on the University of Iowa’s athletics website.

While I have mixed emotions about the way Iowa Athletics — and pretty much every other major college athletics department — controls the messaging, using their website like a news site, I have to admit this was a gem.

Give credit when credit is due.

Iowa had wrestler Spencer Lee and women’s basketball player Caitliln Clark chatting on what it called “GOAT Talk,” the first in what was promised to be at least a two-part conversation.

It was fun, with the two stars taking questions from a bucket — with the Hawkeye logo on it, of course — about everything from their favorite music before a match/game to if Lee could beat Dan Gable in a wrestling match and Clark could take down Stephen Curry in a game of H-O-R-S-E.

“Stephen Curry would smoke me by a mile,” Clark said with a laugh.

“I would just love to wrestle him, regardless who would win,” Lee said.

Not only was this entertaining it was what it promised — GOATs talked. Whether you like the much-overused phrase — Greatest of All Time — or not, it is quite appropriate in this instance.

We are in the midst of greatness within the Iowa Athletics Department right now, this winter.

Lee could be the greatest Iowa wrestler of all time — if he wins his fourth NCAA title in March. It’s not a given — nothing ever is in a combat sport like wrestling — but it’s a pretty good bet.

That’s saying something, too, considering all the greats who have worn the black-and-gold singlet — guys like Barry Davis, Ed Banach Joe Williams, Lincoln McIlravy and current coaches Tom and Terry Brands. To name just a handful.

Clark’s career is coming on the heels of one of the greatest players in Hawkeye women’s basketball history. But Megan Gustafson didn’t elevate the program like Clark has — and still is doing. Before her jersey is retired, she will be the GOAT in this program.

“At least there’s one GOAT,” Clark said while opening the video. “He’s the man. I said I’m finally going to get a picture with Spencer Lee today. My life is made.”

One of the “insights” during the video is Lee’s love of animé and how much fun Clark has off the court. Both have been reported in the past, but it was fun to see them talk about it.

“I’m like a super nerd,” Lee said. “I read books. I’m like a loner ... (teammates) make fun of me.”

Clark said her teammates would describe her as “super goofy.

“I make jokes all the time,” she said. “I don’t think people understand that. I understand there is more to life that just basketball ... just understanding that and enjoying every single day.”

The two also offered advice to young athletes wanting to be among the best in their endeavors.

“Find a routine,” Lee said. “Motivation is fleeting ... determination, dedication, consistency, that’s what’s going to get you there.”

Clark mentioned the importance of a competitive spirit, but “never lose the joy of what you do ... that’s when I play my best and perform my best.”

Favorite athletes? Clark mentioned native Iowan turned NBA veteran Harrison Barnes — “now Harrison Barnes is a fan of me” — and Lee picked his coaches.

“I just like their style,” he said of the Brands twins. “I don’t really wrestle like them. I wish I did, but I don’t. ... they were a little meaner than me on the mat.”

Clark and Lee are engaging and their love for what they do was evident in the video. The bottom line is, this is a special time in Iowa City, and not just for fans of women’s basketball and wrestling.

“Enjoy the ride,” was another piece of advice Lee had for future GOATs.

It’s good advice for sports fans in Iowa and beyond right now, too.

Comments: (319) 398-8461; jr.ogden@thegazette.com