Natioinal Guard troops to benefit from governors' bet

Thursday, December 30th 2004, 5:14 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- National Guard troops will be the winner no matter who collects on a friendly Orange Bowl wager between California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry.

Each governor is wagering an assortment of food products on the outcome of Tuesday's BCS National Championship game between No. 1 Southern Cal and No. 2 Oklahoma.

If the Sooners are victorious, Schwarzenegger has pledged to send the Oklahoma National Guard a basket filled with Golden State delicacies such as avocados, oranges, grapes and assorted meats, plus tickets to several ski resorts and tourist attractions.

If the Trojans prevail, Henry will send the California National Guard a side of Oklahoma beef and a gift basket featuring other Oklahoma food products.

Henry, of course, was predicting a Sooner win.

"The Oklahoma standard is the pursuit and achievement of excellence," Henry said. "That excellence is on display in our great education system, our economic development efforts and our unique approach to health care. On Jan. 4, the OU tradition of football excellence will be broadcast across the nation as Bob Stoops and the Sooners bring another national championship to Norman."

Schwarzenegger was equally confident of a Trojan victory.

"I've always said that California is the greatest state in the greatest country in the world," he said. "We have the finest agricultural products and the most scenic and diverse tourist destinations in the country. And on Jan. 4, we will prove we have the best college football team, too."