The Mark Acres Interview
By:
Michael D. McClellan
|
Friday, May 6th, 2005
In
2003 you were inducted into the Oral Roberts Athletic Hall of Fame. What
does this mean to you?
It’s
special. For the school to recognize my accomplishments means a lot. It’s
always nice to be recognized. Being a chosen athlete of my era is always
something I can cherish. Down the road I can reflect, pat myself on the
back, and know that my efforts were not in vain.
Of
your time spent with the Boston Celtics, do you have a fond memory or an
amusing story that stands out most?
Yes
– it goes back to that story about Larry Bird and the shootout with
Dominique Wilkins. After the game, he came into the locker room, and the
place was very festive. We’re going to the Eastern Conference Finals, so
there is a lot of celebrating going on. Larry said to Bill Walton, ‘Hey,
Bill, I bet you thought that you were the best white boy to ever play this
game.’ And Larry just looked at him as if to say, ‘Well, might have been
once, when your feet were able to hold you up, but you aren’t anymore.’ And
as hard as it might be to believe, Bill was actually speechless. We all
lost it. We were doubled over laughing so hard, because Larry had finally
gotten Bill’s goat.
Let's talk life after basketball. What have you been up to in the years
since retiring from the NBA?
I
went back to school and got my Masters, and now I’m teaching at Casimir
Middle School in Torrance, California.
Final
Question: You’ve achieved great success in your life. You are universally
respected and admired by many people, both inside and outside of the NBA.
If you could offer one piece of advice on life to others, what would that
be?
Never
quit – you’re never beat until you quit.
