I was astounded to see the article about Heinz Kluetmeier ’65, Th’66 [“Behind the Lens,” May/June] regarding Sports Illustrated’s 1980 Olympics hockey cover. This picture has been part of our family lore for the past 45 years. I knew Kluetmeier shot the picture but never realized he was an alumnus.
In an incredible Dartmouth coincidence, I was that lucky teenager waving the American flag. I smiled when I read his quote, “That one fan happened to be waving an American flag behind the goal was dumb luck, but once I saw it, I made sure it framed the celebration.”
My brother Peter is standing immediately to my left. It was without question the most exciting sporting event I’ve ever attended. How I came to be in that spot surprises me to this day. My father was a volunteer doctor for the Olympics and was given two free tickets to the Sweden vs. Finland game that was also played that day. In the trade of the century, he swapped our Sweden vs. Finland tickets for U.S. vs. the Soviet Union tickets. My dad attended the game using his Olympics ID, and he had my two brothers and me draw straws to see which two of us three boys would go to the game. My brother Kenneth ’86, Med’94, to this day thinks his older brothers rigged that selection process.
Things were a lot more relaxed in those days, but I’m still surprised they let me into the arena carrying a 3-foot aluminum flagpole. The game was so exciting, Peter and I were on our feet waving that flag for the entire third period. I remember the thunderous chants of “USA! USA! USA!” and the agonizingly slow clock, ticking down the nine minutes after Mike Eruzione scored the go-ahead goal. Then time ran out and the entire team came racing down to our end of the ice. It was magical.
Yes, I do believe in miracles, and learning of this extra Dartmouth connection makes it even more special. I’m so grateful that Heinz captured that wonderful moment.
Eric Libre ’85
Cabin John, Maryland
