1996: A Year of Sports Quotes

“We may score goals, but they’re going to cure cancer.”

Cal Lutheran men’s soccer Coach Dan Kuntz, after the Kingsmen defeated Caltech, 17-1. (Oct. 30)

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“There’s still nothing that I’ve read or heard that indicates Jim Harrick has done wrong.”

Lorenzo Romar, Pepperdine basketball coach and a former UCLA assistant, speaking after the incident with the Chevy Blazer, but before the infamous recruiting dinner and the subsequent lies that cost Harrick his job. (Oct. 10)

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“I’m my own fighter. Oscar De La Hoya made his accomplishments, and I’m going to make mine.”

Olympic boxer Fernando Vargas of Oxnard prior to the Atlanta Games. Vargas fell short in his bid for a gold medal, losing in the second round. (July 21)

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“Right now, we’re just trying to find who can hit and tackle. The ones who can’t, I guess we’ll have to make them kickers.”

San Fernando High defensive coordinator Robert Garcia, during the first week of football practice. (Aug. 23)

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“It was like, man did I do the right thing if it didn’t go through?”

Durell Price, former Sylmar High running back, who first faxed his letter of intent to Ohio State. After learning that he had faxed the wrong side, he changed his mind and signed with UCLA. (Feb. 9)

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“I don’t want to leave [the Olympic Games] and say, ‘Gosh, I wish I would have done that.’ I’m here to shoot and win a gold medal but at the same time I want to have fun.”

Olympic archer Justin Huish, who appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” He also won two gold medals. (July 31)

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“I thank God every single night that I am part of this deal and part of what these guys are doing.”

Mike Batesole, Northridge baseball coach, after the Matadors won the Western Athletic Conference title. (May 12)

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“We’d be a lot better team if the government got back to work.”

Cal State Northridge men’s volleyball coach John Price, who had two foreign players waiting for visas during the government shutdown. (Jan. 5)

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“I’m not sure why people don’t understand the quality of football teams we are bringing in here.”

Cal State Northridge athletic director Paul Bubb, after only 4,217 fans showed up to see No. 2 Montana play at North Campus Stadium. (Nov. 8)