Frank Mathie rides American Eagle rollercoaster in 1981

GURNEE, Ill. (WLS) -- As Six Flags Great America prepares to open the world's fastest wooden roller coaster, we found some old footage of Eyewitness News reporter Frank Mathie riding the park's first wooden roller coaster.

It's from 1981, when Great America debuted the American Eagle. At the time, it was the tallest and fastest wood roller coaster ever, and cost $10 million to build.

The park is getting set to open a new ride named Goliath. The wooden coaster will feature the longest and steepest drop in the world.

It was supposed to open last month, but weather delays have pushed back the opening date.