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CHAT LIVE With 1967 Heisman Trophy Winner Gary Beban

Welcome to the CSTV.com moderated chat room.

On Thursday, Nov. 29 , former UCLA quarterback and 1967 Heisman Trophy winner Gary Beban stopped by and payed a visit to CSTV.com.

Beban was the first and only Bruin to win the Heisman Trophy and during his three year career at UCLA, he led the Bruins to a 24-4-2 record.

Known as "The Great One," decades before Wayne Gretzky came to Los Angeles, Beban set numerous records during his days under center for the Bruins and was known not only for his passing prowress, but his ability to run the football, as evidenced by his 35 career rushing touchdowns. Beban's also a member of the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame.

CSTV.com Moderator: Welcome everyone. We're about ready for 1967 Heisman Trophy Gary Beban to join us and answer some questions this afternoon.

Devin (Salt Lake City): Do you talk with Coach Karl Dorrell at all? Do you have much contact with the current UCLA team?

Gary Beban: I live in Chicago and I don't have much contact with the team.

Ron: Just wanted to tell you that Beban to Altenberg was one of the great moments of my life. Thanks for all the great memories as a Bruin. Ron - class of '67

Gary Beban: Thank you. That was one of the great memories my career. That was a very memorable moment but Kurt made it look easy and made me look good and unfortunately he's no longer with us.

Howard (Long Beach, CA): Mr. Beban--Thanks for being here during Big Game Week. Question: What do you think of the "West Coast Offense", did you run anything close to it at times back in the day, and do you think your talent and style back then would have been suited for it?

Gary Beban: I think the West Coast Offense is exciting, stimulating and better for the game. We sort of had a quasi-West Coast type offense and I'm perfectly suited for it.

James, Missouri: Who is going to get your vote for the Heisman this year?

Gary Beban: There are a lot of qualified players and I think the toughest part this year will be choosing between career performances and one year performances.

Dave Silverstein-Encino, CA.: Mr. Beban, would you like to see the UCLA football team wear throwback uniforms from the 1960's at a key UCLA football home game during the 2008 football campaign?

Gary Beban: Yes, as I understand they have a hard time getting to the real Bruin baby blue. So it might be difficult to get to the real thing, but I always thought it was a great look.

Bob-Tarzana, CA.: Mr. Beban, Could you please come back for Saturday's USC game and play quarterback? We can use all the help we can get in order to beat the hated ones over at USC?

Gary Beban: There would be no chance if I was playing. We do have a chance Saturday, everyone just has to play very well. We will not sneak up on them like we did last year.

Jeff (Los Angeles): What do you think about USC playing home games in the Rose Bowl?

Gary Beban: I would not be a supporter of SC coming over to the Rose Bowl. They have their own on-campus field and really don't need the Rose Bowl. If it's a temporary deal, I'd be in favor of it. On an interim basis only.

Kathy (Tacoma): What Bruin have you admired the most over the past few years?

Gary Beban: For most of my career, John Wooden. I've had the great fortune to visit with John once a year for the past few decades. I marvel at his insights and of course his longevity. But it's his sense of values that have extended into sports that is so special about the man. Even people at SC like him.

Doug (LA): Is there anyone playing the game now that reminds you of yourself?

Gary Beban: I really don't watch the game enough to make that kind of comparison. I actually never thought of it that way. When you look at the West Coast Offenses that are used to day, there's sometimes a reflection there, but not really.

Javier (Davis): If you could play for one coach in today's game who would it be?

Gary Beban: Probably Paterno because we beat him his first game at Penn State. He's very inspiring and has the proper prospective on the game.

Dan (NY): Who had the biggest influence on your playing career?

Gary Beban: Without any questions Tommy Prothro and Pepper Rogers who was my offensive coach. I had the good fortune that their offense suited me.

Jeff, Florida: Gary, what is your most vidid memory from the 1967 season?

Gary Beban: Throwing the ball out of bounds with about two minutes to go knowing we had just lost the national championship by one point.

James (San Diego): Who is the greatest player you ever played against?

Gary Beban: George Webster, Michigan State. Hardest hitting, toughest. Fastest. Just a great football player. He really sort of was the first roving deep back. He was about 6-2, 220. He played outside linebacker with the Houston Oilers. I was very sore for a long time after the Rose Bowl.

Erik (Westchester): Do you think UCLA is capable of duplicating the string of success USC has enjoyed the last five, six years?

Gary Beban: At one time we had beaten SC eight times in a row which is one of the reasons Cade McNown is the finest QB to play at UCLA because he never lost to SC. It can happen, it's a rarity, but it'll probably happen again.

Gary Beban: I enjoyed visiting with everyone and thank you for allowing me to nostalgically visit the past.

CSTV.com Moderator: That's all the time we have for today. Thanks everyone for checking in and continue to follow the race to the Heisman Trophy on CSTV.com.