WWE icon Mick Foley travels 1,500 miles to see Hawkeyes’ Caitlin Clark play

Former WWE wrestler Mick Foley announced on social media weeks ago that he would be in attendance for Iowa’s game against Indiana on Thursday.

Foley is a Bloomington, Indiana native who traditionally roots for the Hoosiers. But when Caitlin Clark caught his eye three years ago, he instantly became a fan.

“I just happened to randomly see these highlights of this woman putting up shots that I didn’t think were possible,” Foley said.

In Foley’s post he shared he was driving 1,500 miles round trip from Pensacola — where he was appearing at an event called Pensacon before and after the game — to see the game and spent roughly $600 on expenses to get there.

“It’s a 15-hour drive — it’s a hike,” Foley said. “It’s been worth it, the atmosphere has been incredible.”

Underneath his floral shirt you could find a black and gold shirt with “Caitlin 22” on it.

(Photo courtesy of JoAnna Mantz)

Foley refused to take his eyes off the player he came to see.

“It’s really amazing to see the great ones and how they see the court,” Foley said. “I did the same thing one time when I was watching an NFL game. I spent the whole time watching one specific linebacker. I got to see what he did every second of the game, so that’s what I’m doing here.”

While Iowa came up short against Indiana, Foley knows anytime No. 22 is on the court the sport of women’s basketball is winning.

“I love the fact that there’s someone out there who’s opening eyes,” Foley said. “Even if they’re tuning in to see Caitlin they’re walking away with a greater appreciation for women’s basketball.”

For more Hawkeyes coverage, follow @BlakeHornTV and @HawkeyeHQ on Twitter and Facebook. You can find Hawkeye Headquarters at HawkeyeHQ.com all season.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.