Post by Administrator on Jun 9, 2002 7:54:16 GMT -5
Tipton
The exuberant one, Dick Vitale, celebrates his 63rd birthday today. He hopes to celebrate many more while working as a college basketball commentator.
"As long as I feel the youthful energy," he said. "And I challenge any guy out there (to match my) energy and enthusiasm. As long as I have that, I want to still just continue, continue, continue."
Vitale listed his heroes as Jim McKay and Keith Jackson, broadcasters who've continued to work well past 70.
"Sixty-three, to me, is just a mere number," he said. "I work out like crazy. I haven't eaten red meat in over seven years. I play tennis (90 minutes of singles every morning). I walk several miles on the beach."
Vitale also lifts light weights in his home gym.
"I want to live, man," he said. "It beats the alternative."
Vitale, who lives on the Gulf Coast of Florida, spoke from his regular beach-front hangout. It's there that he relaxes by reading newspapers from around the country.
A visitor approached Vitale recently. For a moment, Dickie V forgot about Duke, Kentucky and the rest of college basketball.
"You will never, ever guess who was sitting here," Vitale said. "O.J. Simpson. If you ever want to see me speechless and stunned. ... (his voice trailed off)."
Simpson and Vitale made small talk, chatted about the Lakers. Then Simpson departed.
"Unbelievable," Vitale said. "I couldn't believe it."
"As long as I feel the youthful energy," he said. "And I challenge any guy out there (to match my) energy and enthusiasm. As long as I have that, I want to still just continue, continue, continue."
Vitale listed his heroes as Jim McKay and Keith Jackson, broadcasters who've continued to work well past 70.
"Sixty-three, to me, is just a mere number," he said. "I work out like crazy. I haven't eaten red meat in over seven years. I play tennis (90 minutes of singles every morning). I walk several miles on the beach."
Vitale also lifts light weights in his home gym.
"I want to live, man," he said. "It beats the alternative."
Vitale, who lives on the Gulf Coast of Florida, spoke from his regular beach-front hangout. It's there that he relaxes by reading newspapers from around the country.
A visitor approached Vitale recently. For a moment, Dickie V forgot about Duke, Kentucky and the rest of college basketball.
"You will never, ever guess who was sitting here," Vitale said. "O.J. Simpson. If you ever want to see me speechless and stunned. ... (his voice trailed off)."
Simpson and Vitale made small talk, chatted about the Lakers. Then Simpson departed.
"Unbelievable," Vitale said. "I couldn't believe it."
