Wednesday This Week

Over 106 million households watched the Super Bowl making it the most watched in American television history. That figure beat out the old record held by the final episode of MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital); a comedy set during the Korean War of the 1950s. The number is staggering as it beat out previous Super Bowl figures even by bigger market teams. The stories behind the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts (largely because of Peyton Manning who is a native of Louisiana plus his dad, Archie, was a former QB of the Saints) were compelling enough. The number is way bigger than the entire population of the Philippines! And does that figure count those watching abroad? That's gotta be bigger.

The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to add Kirk Hinrich from the Chicago Bulls. He'll provide great back-up to Rajon Rondo and whoever the Lakers have running the point. We'll see how this progresses real soon.

Only 11 fans of the Indianapolis Colts went to greet the team when they returned from Miami. Does this make them fair-weather fans or did the bad weather have something to do with this? Look it was a terrible loss. An interception can happen at anytime. We've seen it happen to Brett Favre and Tom Brady and other big time QBs. It happens. If I was all riled up when the Colts deliberately dropped the match against the New York Jets, that has nothing to do with the Super Bowl loss. If they had lost in their first playoff match then I'd say yes it had something to do with it. Not anymore. Tough loss.

Talk 'N Text should have not walked out of Game 4. They practically handed the series to Ginebra. And if they thought that the officiating was good in Game 5 does that mean that even in a fair match they cannot beat Ginebra? Now we have three SMC teams in the semis.

What's this about the PBL?

Drew Crawford, son of NBA ref Danny, Emerges as a Big Star

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Drew Crawford used to be much more anonymous.

The son of NBA referee Danny Crawford remembers once attending a game in Charlotte. He sat in the stands next to a Bobcats fan who was riding his father throughout the first half.

Halftime arrived and the referee gave a high five to his son as he left the court. Suddenly, it dawned upon this Bobcats season-ticket holder just who was sitting next to him.

"He realized that was my dad, and he was feeling all sorry for me,'' said the son. "He apologized and he took me back to the VIP section and got me a soda and things like that. I even met the owner (Robert Johnson) of the team.''

If you're a basketball fan, you might just know now if you're sitting next to Drew Crawford. He's a leading candidate for Big Ten Freshman of the Year, averaging 11.3 points, including 13.7 in conference play, for Northwestern.

He's trying to help the Wildcats (16-7, 5-6 Big Ten) to their first NCAA appearance ever. After a slow start, which included just 12 points in his first three games, he had 22 in his fourth game against Liberty, and also this season has had 35 points against North Carolina A&T and 25 at Michigan.

He used to be that kid hanging around NBA locker rooms. But one day Drew just might be sharing a locker room with some of the players he has idolized.

NBA scouts aren't allowed to talk on the record about underclassmen. But scouts say privately the 6-foot-5, 195-pound swingman has the athleticism, size and shooting stroke to one day be a pro.

"He's not a one-and-done guy, that's for sure,'' said Northwestern coach Bill Carmody. "There's so much he has to work on. He's talented, he's strong, and he can run and jump. But he's got to work on his dribbling. He's got to work on his finishing. But depending on how much works on it, he certainly is capable (of being an NBA player).''

Drew still has plenty of unfinished business at Northwestern. And his father, 56, a 25-year veteran regarded as one of the NBA's top officials, will try to catch as many games as he can.

Danny Crawford said he's seen nearly two-thirds of the Wildcats' games this season. He's never hard to find in the stands as he cheers on his son while dressed practically head to toe in Northwestern garb.

"Those were great Christmas gifts from my family,'' Drew, who played at Naperville Central High School in Chicago's western suburbs and was All-State as a senior, said about all the Northwestern clothes that were piled up under the tree.

For Sunday's home game against Indiana at Welsh-Ryan Arena, Danny Crawford donned a gray Wildcats hoodie and a purple Northwestern hat.

"I actually wear three hats when I'm at the basketball game. I wear the hat of a parent, the hat of a coach. ... The third hat is the referee. I'm always looking on with interest in seeing what the referees are doing."
- NBA ref Danny Crawford on watching son Drew playFiguratively speaking, that wasn't his only hat.

"I actually wear three hats when I'm at the basketball game,'' he said. "I wear the hat of a parent, the hat of a coach. I'm always sitting in the stands saying, 'Drew could do this or do that.' The third hat is the referee. I'm always looking on with interest in seeing what the referees are doing. When you wear three hats at a basketball game, I'm a nervous wreck.''

At Northwestern home games, dad sits halfway up the stands across from the visitor's bench, so his son and all the officials are out of earshot. It's a different story on the road, though, when he sits just a few rows behind the Northwestern bench.

"If I'm closer, I'll even get more involved,'' said Danny Crawford, explaining the only seats made available to Northwestern at road games are usually right behind the bench. "So actually I like to stay higher up.''

It's not that a college referee is going to hear an NBA referee yelling at him for a blown call. Instead, it sounds like an officiating clinic.

"It's more like constructive referee's advice,'' the son said of what his father provides. "He'll be yelling, 'Watch off ball.' He's the fan that's giving technical advice.''

But Danny Crawford won't hesitate to admit when he agrees with a call against Drew. After his son was whistled for an offensive foul in the first half of the 78-61 win over the Hoosiers, he demonstrated to a nearby fan with his shoulder just what Drew had done. Of course, it must be said that, of the five fouls that went against his son against Indiana, dad said three could have gone either way.

Eyes sometimes are rolled when those in the Crawford household are asked what it's like when the referee watches his son play. Claudia, Drew's mother, said for high school games she "never wanted to sit next to my husband'' because he's "so intense'' while always looking at "the spots that could be improved.''


The Crawfords have one other child in daughter Lia, a high school senior called by her mother Drew's "biggest fan.'' She learned long ago not to bother dad when he's watching his son play.

"You'd think he would talk to me,'' she said. "I try to start a conversation, but he's so focused during the game. He doesn't want people to talk to him.''

As for Drew, he admits to not being all ears when his father critiques his play during a game.

"He's yelling,'' Drew said. "I kind of tune him out during the game. I listen to what he says after the game, but during the game it's all about my coaches.''

Drew means no offense, saying "dad and I have always been real tight.'' He said his father, who played point guard at Northeastern Illinois University, provides valuable pointers on "the mental aspects of basketball.'' And who better to get that from than someone with one of the game's most pressure-packed jobs?

Danny Crawford said he's "very proud'' of how is son is doing and admits he's a bit surprised with what has transpired so quickly. He's now contemplating how long he wants to be an NBA referee, with the travel sometimes taking him away from Northwestern games.

"I hope potentially maybe not to be even refereeing before he graduates out of college. I'm thinking more and more my time is coming to where maybe next year or the year after I might not be working in the NBA,'' he said, later adding it would be much more likely walking after, rather than before, next season. "This is the stuff (watching Drew play) that you can't replace. So I want to be probably as much a part of it as I can. It's pretty tough to do when you're working a full schedule in the NBA.

"If I do that, my game plan is actually to work some college basketball because I still have some refereeing in me. But I want to see my son play, and I don't have any control over my schedule right now. So really it would be able to see Drew play and to still be a part of the game by still refereeing. ... You're an independent contractor (in college). Right now, the NBA owns me. They tell me where to go, when to go and how long to go.''

Unfortunately for Danny Crawford, whose brother Eugene Crawford is a Big Ten official who now can't work Northwestern games, he wasn't at Welsh-Ryan the afternoon of Dec. 13. His son shot 12-of-17 from the field, including 8-of-13 from three-point range against North Carolina A&T, to set a school freshman record with 35 points.

"People said he was unconscious,'' said the father. "But I didn't see it, and I know I can't replace that.''

At least dad was on hand Jan. 10 when Drew shot 7-of-9, including 4-of-5 on three-pointers, for 25 points Jan. 10 at Michigan. Once he got hot, he led the Wildcats back from a 17-point first-half deficit to a 68-62 victory.

"It was very special to see,'' he said. "It was pretty impressive.''

Three weeks later against Michigan, Drew was 4-of-5 on three-pointers and scored 17 points. It's no wonder Wolverines coach John Beilein has said he should be Big Ten Freshman of Year.

Learning From the Best

The mild-mannered Drew, who chose Northwestern over Oklahoma State, Wake Forest and DePaul, is actually a late bloomer. He wasn't regarded by many as a major-college prospect until he became more assertive and turned his game up a notch in the summer before his senior year at Naperville Central.

Perhaps some of those pointers finally sunk in that Drew has been getting over the years from basketball's greatest players. He's shot around with LeBron James, and received on-court advice from the likes of Michael Finley and Shawn Marion.

Drew grew up around the game, often attending Finals or All-Star games worked by his father. Living in the Chicago area, he loved going to Bulls games during Michael Jordan's heyday, but said it didn't really hit him until junior high the awesome responsibilities of his dad's job.

"I was just kind of going to the games before I realized the kind of pressure he has, and how big of a deal it was for him to be in that position,'' Drew said.

When Drew was 7, Danny Crawford, who has officiated at least one NBA Finals game each year since 1995, elected not to call Jordan for an offensive foul on Bryon Russell before hitting the jumper in Game 6 of the 1998 Finals that secured Chicago's sixth title. It was only later Drew said he realized, "If he called it, it would have altered basketball history.''

Drew still gets to Bulls games. He and the players have been known to banter.

"I told him that I never have had a good game when his dad is refereeing so I blame it on his dad,'' said Bulls forward Luol Deng. "I was just joking.''

The NBA player Drew always likes to see have a good game is James. His sister said her brother couldn't stop talking about the one time he shot around with James.

"He watches LeBron (often on television),'' said Danny Crawford. "If anything goes against LeBron, to (Drew) it's a bad call.''

Drew said he sometimes critiques his father's refereeing while watching his games. Hey, that's only fair considering all the scrutiny the kid gets.

Drew sometimes will claim his father missed a call. But Drew said dad then analyzes the call in depth, and the son admits "he's usually right.''

While on the court, the freshman rarely has been known to question a call. His father said he's "very respectful of referees,'' which was quite a contrast from Danny Crawford saying he regularly picked up technicals as a player.

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Latest College Basketball Photos

Kansas center Cole Aldrich, left, guards Texas forward Damion James, right, during second half action in their NCAA college basketball game Monday, Feb. 8, 2010, in Austin, Texas. Kansas won it 80-68. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

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FR170210 AP

College Football Photos

NEW YORK - DECEMBER 12: Running back Mark Ingram #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide speaks after being named the 75th Heisman Trophy winner at the Nokia theater Times Square on December 12, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mark Ingram

Getty Images

A Navy midshipman yawns while in formation before an NCAA college football game between Army and Navy, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

AP

In this photo taken on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009, Heisman Trophy finalists from left, Stanford running back Toby Gerhart, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, Alabama running back Mark Ingram, Texas quarterback Colt McCoy and Nebraska defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh gather for a photo at the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards in Lake Buena Vista , Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

AP

Army players react after losing 17-3 to Navy in a college football game in Philadelphia, on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

AP

Appalachian State quarterback Armanti Edwards (14) scrambles during the last series of the game, trying to find an open receiver, as Montana defensive end George Mercer(92) tries to wrap him up during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football Division 1 playoff game in Missoula, Mont., on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Albans)

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Montana quarterback Andrew Selle (12) celebrates win over Appalachian State after the game to advance to the championship next week in an NCAA college football Division 1 playoff game in Missoula, Mont., on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Albans)

AP

Montana wide receiver Jabin Sambrano (16) catches the winning touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter against Appalachian State defensive back Ed Gainey (28) in an NCAA college football Division 1 playoff game in Missoula, Mont., on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Albans)

AP

Montana wide receiver Marc Mariani (80) leads the cheers as Montana defeats Appalachian State 24-17 to advance to the championship game next week in Tennessee, after an NCAA college football Division 1 playoff game in Missoula, Mont., on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Albans)

AP

Appalachian State quarterback Armanti Edwards (14) scrambles during the last series of the game, trying to find an open receiver, as Montana defensive end George Mercer(92) tries to wrap him up during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football Division 1 playoff game in Missoula, Mont., on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Albans)

AP

Montana quarterback Andrew Selle (12) celebrates win over Appalachian State after the game to advance to the championship next week in an NCAA college football Division 1 playoff game in Missoula, Mont., on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Albans)

AP

Well, there was one time Drew let the officials get to him. He was playing a high school summer-league game before his sophomore year and became upset by a call. Drew hit a wall so hard in frustration he suffered a fracture in his right (shooting) hand.

"My dad said, 'Don't punch any more walls,''' Drew said. "He basically said, 'You learned your lesson.'''

His shooting hand is fine now. Drew is firing away at a 47.3-percent clip, including 37.9 on three-pointers.

But Drew doesn't seem to care much about statistics other than his team's won-loss record. While his dad said he would run out for the newspaper to read about one of his big games back in the 1970s, he expressed surprise when his son said he hadn't even bothered to read about his exploits at Michigan.

"A buddy of mine told me the perfect word is he's grounded,'' said the referee. "He's such a team-oriented guy. All that individual stuff and reading about himself, he's not interested in that.''

Actually, there is another statistic besides won-loss record that really matters to Drew. He had a 4.2 grade-point average in high school, and is said to be pulling down good grades at a tough academic school that has been dubbed the "Harvard of the Midwest.''

"He was just raised right,'' Carmody said. "He's a hard worker.''

Not surprisingly, there were plenty of rules in the ref's household. Academics always were stressed and Drew and Lia were limited to two half-hour TV shows a day.

Presumably, there were less restrictions when it came to watching basketball. Drew saw enough of his father's games that he knew at a young age he would much prefer to have his profession in basketball be as a player rather than a referee.

"I don't think I could do that. It's just so much pressure,'' said Drew, who has officiated some youth recreational games in Naperville and even finds the pressure in those to be a bit extreme.

With his father taking all the heat, Drew can sit back and relax when attending his games. But what does Drew think when fans are really getting on his dad?

"It's more funny to me,'' he said.

It turns out it didn't bother Drew at all when that fan in Charlotte was riding his father. But he still got a soda out of it.

Chris Tomasson can be reached at fanhouse.com or on Twitter @christomasson

Summer Can't Wait

Time was women burned their bras in protest. Now these feminists burn Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue. It's a perfect waste of paper and only drives up sales. But it's going to be two straight weeks of SI controversy. Remember they released the Winter Olympic Preview with Lindsey Vonn on the cover with an allegedly sexist pose. Haha.

The Swimsuit Issue was the most read mag in my old school library (and I have no idea if they still carry it in Ateneo today) and my classmates and I had great memories of looking through them and ripping off pages. That is until someone got caught. Haha. But it's out and Ana Ivanovic is in it, Soccer WAGS, Brooklyn Decker, dancing with the Stars stars. Oh, man. Here we go. Here we go.

A Pinstriped Friend

Wow, just read the article.

Inggit ako!!!

Now that I am doing the typical quarterlife existentialist spiel, I ask myself, 'What do I want to do for the rest of my life?' I answer, I wish I can have Brian Cashman's job. I am saving up most of my salary this year so I can go to New York and watch the World Series either this year or next.

Hope to get my own pinstriped moment soon.

Kat

Hi Kat!

That's the spirit. Hahaha. Nothing like getting to travel and do the things you want to do. It's just costs money.

I made a conscious decision to move to New York before and I got to do that. I still hope to move back but it isn't that simple now. I've been a long time Yankees fan and feel blessed to have watched them and cheered for them.

The fact that you're a fan means you have at least one moment. I'd love to hear from you on why you're a fan of the Yanks and if okay with you, I'd print it.

See ya round.

Rick

Will you think less of me if I say Derek Jeter? :p

Seriously, I got hooked in 1996 and I was absent from school because I was sick. It was October and I saw the Jeffrey Maier interception in the playoffs. I was in love since then. (Die, Minka Kelly, Die!!).

I will not forget the Arizona series, the Aaron Boone homerun, and the 2009 playoffs. Losing the ALCS to Boston after being up 3-1 in the series will never be forgotten. I almost gave up the Yankees for good then.

I scheduled my UP classes in the afternoons so I can watch baseball in the mornings. Best moment was watching Jeter dive in the stands against the Red Sox, July 2004. I went through the rest of the day in a daze. He just became Superman in my mind. Suckiest part though was I could not share it with anyone I met since they would not understand what I was talking about.

The social scientist in me would say that it is natural for me to be a Yankee fan since I am already inclined with the sport (I am already a data geek before discovering the Yankees) and it is the most visible team in the country. ESPN shows Yankee games more than 50% of the time during weekends, even the Japanese channels alternated between Seattle Mariners (Ichiro) and New York Yankees (Matsui). The highly publicized lives of its players also add to the interest in the team.

But on a personal level, I live by the tenets of the Yankees (mostly derived from Derek Jeter): Play to win. Losing will always always suck. Numbers only summarize what you did; it cannot predict what you can do. Keep your head clear. Think of the goal, not yourself. Spend on quality pieces (although determining quality takes time).

Whew, I don't think my answer is in 'publish-able' form (sorry, what is the right term?). Sorry, I babbled, I hardly find Yankee fans in my circle of friends (my boyfriend's a Red Sox fan).

But I think it is really cool you got to live in New York for some time. I am also figuring out how to live and work in the US for some time.

Thanks for letting me babble, Rick.

Kat

Hey, Kat!

One your boyfriend being a Red Sox fan... it's okay. Nobody's perfect.

Rick

The ATENEO BLUE EAGLES are looking for love on Valentine's Day!

Calling all fans of the Blue Eagles! Spend your Valentine's with the UAAP Back to Back Champions!

Help them serve 1,000 CUPS OF YOGURT as they lend their love and support for the public school children of the Philippines through AHON Foundation and The White Hat.

DATE: Saturday, February 13, 2010

VENUE: The White Hat, G/F Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City

Click here for more details and map, or go to our Facebook event page.

Aside from serving yogurt to the guests, your favorite players will be available for pictures at our PHOTOBOOTH. There will also be a SILENT AUCTION for exclusive autographed items fromChris Tiu and the Blue Eagles. BLUE CREW will be selling shirts at the venue as well. Get a chance to win an autographed item from the raffle!

For more information, visit http://ahonfoundation.com or text/call 0917-5331297 and look for Arriane Serafico.

Dude, where's my shoe? (photos by Biz Mirror's Nonoy Lacza)

Rico: Hold it, ref. I lost mah cool Nike shoe.

Rico: Hey, c'mon! I just want to put on mah shoe?

Rico: Ano ba? We're both from La Salle. This is just a stupid game. Cool ka lang. Where's mah shoe? I want mah shoe.

Ryan: (kicking Rico's shoe) What shoe? Ref, delaying the game 'to! technical foul 'yan.

Ateneo Men's Football Game 6: The Crucible

This appears in ateneo.edu.

The Crucible

Ateneo 1 vs. UP 1

story by rick olivares picture by kevin ochoa

The Ateneo Men’s Football Team isn’t what it once was. The last time they were in form and deadly was two years ago when they nearly won a fourth UAAP title in five years but lost to FEU in the finals.

The hallmark of their dominance on the pitch – stingy defense, superb passing, and a toughness that ran from the physical to the mental – aren’t there anymore despite the presence of the last remnants of its fabled three-peat team in attacking mid Gerard Cancio and central back Fred Ozaeta. Oh, the Blue Booters still play with a passion but one wonders if they have to dig themselves into a hole before a sense of urgency takes a hold of them.

At the end of the first round of Season 72, the team finished with 6 points; good for fourth in the six team tournament right behind UST, FEU, and defending champion UP. A team can afford only so much to lose before the lack of points will put them out of the running for a finals berth.

And earlier, the Tamaraws closed the gap with front-running UST with a 1-nil win over UE courtesy of dazzling strike by defender Romnick Jover in the 70^th minute that gave them a full three points. The Growling Tigers avoided the upset axe from a strong challenge by a disappointing La Salle team that was touted to compete for the crown this year via goalless draw to salvage a point in the standings.

The Tigers were up with 14 points with FEU close behind at 13. UP heading into the derby with their Katipunan neighbors Ateneo were in third place with 9 points. The home team had 6 points while DLSU was at fifth with 4 points and UE at the rear with 3.

Both Ateneo and UP needed the full three points that a win awards if they wanted to keep their finals dreams alive. Ateneo had not played consistently after their opening day upset of FEU and had twice been victimized by officials’ calls. UP in the meantime, had to do some soul searching of its own. An open forum amongst the players was held and some felt that the team’s seniors had to be held accountable for their two consecutive loses that suddenly put their title-retention bid in jeopardy. Head Coach Frank Muescan noted that after three successive wins, the team relaxed thinking that the league would simply roll over for another Maroons coronation. “They should respect the other teams more because there is no single game that is an automatic win,” underscored co-head coach Anto Gonzales.

Unlike in their first round match up where the Maroons totally dominated the match, they found a stingier Ateneo defense this time around. The first legitimate strike of the game in fact belonged to the team in white with blue trimmings. Then 10 minutes into the match, UP tightened up on the defense and Ateneo was unable to get any forward movement from the wings as Enzo Bonoan, starting in the place of the suspended Luigi Meer, and Jacobo Lorenzo were stymied. With only the middle as an option, the Maroons rendered ineffective Anton Amistoso who had played well at the top of the attacking diamond formation.

But Ateneo’s defense held. But one had to wonder if it was a matter of time before UP scored. With a flawless passing game and superb skill in advancing the ball through timely flicks, back heels, and slots through gaps in a back four that was way too flat, UP had numerous scoring chances with Ayi Aryee, Francis Liza, and Keith Mordeno muffing point blank stabs. On one occasion, they had three successive corner kicks in one sortie that Ateneo keeper RS Mantos superbly turned back.

“That was pivotal,” remarked Muescan after the match. On all three attempts, the defense had been beaten but Mantos who in his own words “tinapon ko na lang sarili ko sa harapan ng bola basta lang hindi sila maka-goal” saved the day.

But even the best goal keepers of which Mantos was adjudged as the best in the title run of two years ago, can stem the tide when the foes step up their attacks.

A missed header by Choy Kapunan just past the midfield saw the ball bounce deep into Ateneo territory. Mordeno pounced on the Ateneo error and let loose a shot that was blocked by Mantos. But with two of his own defenders in front, there was some confusion as to where the ball was and Mordeno tapped in back in for the first goal with the second half barely two minutes old.

Prior to the start of the match, Blue Booter captain Gabriel Siojo had asked his team if they believed that they could beat UP and still make it to the finals. He said that there are matters that one cannot see or physically touch and that was where one’s convictions came to play. “If I can believe in something that I cannot see then I don’t know why we all cannot fight for the same thing.”

The UP goal incredibly sparked some life in Ateneo. “Tara, white. Laban!” urged Siojo.

With another painful loss staring at them and time slipping away so precariously, Ateneo rookie Miggy Monfort found his team captain in the middle of the field. Siojo took one dribble and immediately slotted it right through two UP defenders and Cancio, for the life of him and his team, was off to the races.

It was the only successful three-touch pass of Ateneo for the entire game. Almost every previous attack had been stopped with an errant square pass, a lack of hustle, or the tough defense of a patient foe. But this one, maybe the law of averages had caught up, had gone right through.

From the right side of the field, Cancio beat the captain of UP’s defense Jed Rances and forced Maroons keeper Gabby Tañada to rush out towards the edge of the box.

Cancio avoided a tackle and with his left foot, sent the ball rolling towards an empty net. Nate Octavio gave chase but the ball had gone past the line and in the 87^th minute, Ateneo had the equalizer.

It was Cancio’s second goal of the season tying him with Siojo (Derek Candelaria scored Ateneo’s only other goal). It was as much a product of heart as it was of skill. Because of Cancio’s capability of single-handedly beating opposing defenses, coaches geared their defense to marking him and Siojo. “Stop them, you stop Ateneo,” observed UST coach Marjo Allado after his team’s huge win versus Ateneo last week. For the most part, teams have been successful but this time, Cancio’s score knocked the starch out of UP and it was their turn to play with an air of desperation.

With three minutes of injury time added, Ateneo held on. They grabbed a crucial point to give them a total of 7 while UP’s point put them at 10 and both squads with four matches to play.

“Quota na,” offered Ateneo mentor Ompong Merida after the match referring to loses and draws. “If we want to make our championship dreams a reality we have to win every game from here on.”

It’s not something the team can see but the draw, snatched from the jaws of defeat, gave them the confidence of playing the top sides in the competition.

Summed up a relieved Siojo: “We just have to believe.”

Starting Elevens:

Ateneo – Anton Amistoso, James Arco, Enzo Bonoan, Gerard Cancio, Paul Cheng, Keith King, Jacob Lorenzo, RS Mantos, Mario Marcelo, Fred Ozaeta, Gabriel Siojo

UP – Ayi Aryee, Mark Custodio, Albert Francisco, Jorell Garcia, Francis Liza, Andrei Mercader, Keith Mordeno, Nate Octavio, Stephen Permanes, Jed Rances, Allen Serna, Gabby Tañada

Notes: Ateneo played without Carl Llado and Luigi Meer who were suspended for the match on account of red and yellow cards respectively. UP was without Jay Eusebio also on two yellow cards. Steve Permanes was issued a yellow card for diving earlier in the game. Ateneo’s Marcelo will miss Wednesday’s match versus La Salle as he was carded for a poor tackle.

UP’s campaign is in seriously jeopardy when it was discovered that two of its players are concurrently suiting up in the UFL. League rules stipulate that when the season is on, no one can play in another tournament. The players in question are Ayi Aryee and Nate De Guzman.

Juniors Football

In the junior’s side, host Ateneo blanked UST, 7-0, and FEU routed La Salle-Zobel, 6-0, to remain tied on top with 3-0-1 log for 10 points each. UST stayed winless in four games while La Salle-Zobel chalked up a 1-3-0 log.

The Super Bowl title is in the bag

The Saints marched on to the Super Bowl where they faced a very good Indianapolis Colts team. It was only fitting that as in the recent World Series, we saw a match up between the two best teams in the NFL. Not since the New York Yankees of 2001 has there been a team that its hometown fans pulled for them and represented them in the wake of a terrible tragedy. Put away those loser "Aints" bags, boys and girls... the first time's the charm and the New Orleans Saints, who played with a lot of heart and emotion, are Super Bowl champs. And dat was a magnificent game with a top-notch performance by QB Drew Brees. Last night before I went to bed, the last song on my iTunes was "New Orleans" by Cali punk band Rancid. The lyrics struck me: "Well, she's got pride like a million lions; she's got scars on her velvet face; i'm gonna carry her heart to New Orleans."

Monday Morning Zingers

Looks like the Reds have righted their ship and are now in fourth place in the English Premier League. The top four positions guarantee them a slot in Champions League competition next season. But all is not over yet. Still a long ways to go and if they're lucky (and Manchester United takes a spill), they can catch up. Dirk Kuyt scored the only goal, his 50th for the Reds off a header, to give LFC the full three points.

So is Wladimir going to save the Cheerleader?

WBO, IBO, & IBF Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko and Heroes' Cheerleader Hayden Panetierre -- a couple! Hayden's gonna need more than high heels here.

He's like 6'6" and she's 5'1".

He's 33 and she's 20.

Aww what the hell. This is leading to nothing. Just thought it was amusing but who can figure out love?

It's an unlikely pairing similar to Cyndi Lauper and pro wrestling Captain Lou Albano who incidentally had nothing going on between them except that they were frenemies.

Match Attax

As a kid, I loved collected baseball bubblegum cards. Then someone figured they could make a lot of money by doing bubblegum cards of Star Wars, Mork and Mindy, and other popular movies. Then when Skybox released their NBA cards -- collecting went through the roof. It was never really an obsession for me. Mercifully because I didn't have the money for that anymore. My allowance and "luho" budget can only support so much. While getting a copy of World Soccer magazine, this packet was inserted. I paid it no mind until I opened the plastic-coated mag and whoa! English Premier League cards! And they're manufactured by Topps! The pic of the cards inside my packet are below. Cool as it is, sorry, that's one thing of my childhood that belongs there. Still I think it's a great way to earn to fans for the sport.

Bleachers' Brew #195 A Pinstriped Moment

This also appears in the Monday, February 8 edition of the Business Mirror.

A Pinstriped Moment

by rick olivares

When it was announced that the officials of the New York Yankees were going to Asia on a presentation tour of the 2009 World Series trophy for their Asian fans and that Hong Kong would be their last stop, I knew I was going to be there.

I was planning on going to Britain’s former Crown Colony in a few weeks so it was just a matter of moving the trip ahead of schedule. I wrote the club immediately after the tour was announced to ask if it would be possible to interview General Manager Brian Cashman and Club President Randy Levine. Within two days, I received a reply saying that it was possible but they couldn't confirm it. So when I arrived in Hong Kong, I went to the hotel where the team delegation was staying to verify. And there my name was right on the list. Number 18.

That was Johnny Damon’s number, one of my favorite players on the team. Although the team did not re-sign him to an extension, I decided to be aggressive like Damon against the Phillies in the World Series. This doesn’t happen every day so I have to seize the moment.

In my being a longtime fan of the Yankees, I’ve had a few moments that are highly memorable. Obviously, there’s going to old Yankee Stadium for the first time and the hair-raising moment standing close to the late Thurman Munson’s locker that has remained inside the clubhouse since his death in 1979 (it has now been moved to the Yankees Museum inside the new stadium). There was waiting on the table of Jason Giambi at Burger Heaven in East 86^th and Lexington in his first season at the Bronx. I came away with a healthy tip, an autograph, and a picture. There’s shaking hands with Yogi Berra on Old-timers’ Day. There’s engaging Boston Red Sox fans in a chant-off in the Alex Rodriguez sweepstakes of 2004. And there’s watching Game 7 at the stadium during the 2003 American League Championship Series when New York’s Aaron Boone smacked the walk-off home run against Boston’s Tim Wakefield that extended the Red Sox’s ill luck in the post-season by one more year. I tossed my entire bucket of popcorn into the air and the crowd and in the ensuing bedlam got to hug that pretty girl one row in from of me!

And now it was coming this close to the World Series trophy. On the elevator ride up the hotel, everyone was quiet but brimming with gleeful anticipation. I decided to break the ice and blurted out, “Anyone who’s a Boston fan get off now. This is your final warning.” Some 20 people laughed out loud.

As soon as the short program for the presentation of the 2009 World Series trophy to the Hong Kong media and fans ended, I went up to the hostess and asked if I could get right beside the symbol of pro baseball’s ultimate prize for a photo op.

"As long as you don't touch it," she gently reminded.

"Scout's honor!" I promised with every word dripping with excitement.

As soon as the host gave permission, I went up the stage – the first one at the event -- and had a friend of mine from Hong Kong, click away (we had a pre-arranged agreement to take turns snapping photos of each other beside the trophy). I was beaming from ear to ear. I wanted to hold it up high like Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter when the team was handed the trophy not soon after they had dispatched Philadelphia in six games. “Like a kid in a toy store, eh.” commented aloud one man who brought his kids with him. From there, I sidled over to the Brian Cashman, waited for one reporter to finish his interview, and got mine.

I introduced myself and the Yankees GM thought it was cool to have someone from the Philippines come over. I was the only one outside Hong Kong media to be there. “That’s my point exactly.” he underscored about the whole Asian Trophy Presentation Tour. “We had players from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, Taiwan, Venezuela, and Mexico contribute a lot to the championship. We have fans from everywhere and they have been fantastic with their support of the team’s goals and this is the least that we can do for them after winning again.”

How challenging is it for you to be GM for one of the few teams in this world with a global following?

“It is extremely challenging. We are one of 30 teams competing for a championship and we try to get the best players domestically and internationally. You need that eye for talent for what the team needs and once we have those players we try to develop them. We provide them the facilities and environment to perform, and we could do with some luck there because we need everyone healthy. It’s an endeavor that requires a lot from everyone. We are consistently one of the best in baseball at that but we still have to go out and perform.”

This is not the first championship team that you put together. What were the differences in the last batch as opposed to the new one?

“This one was special in so many ways. We opened up one of the greatest baseball facilities in the world and in its inaugural season won a championship. People would challenge the move by saying that it was a mistake to move since the old ballpark had a lot of history, tradition, and success so we excised some of those concerns. Our recent success can be traced to finding the right people and we think we’ve done that again. It was amazing to see how quick this batch of new players bonded with our veterans. They’ve also done some charitable work for the community and the fans that in turn responded to them. And as this trophy makes the rounds of Asia, we feel that this has become a trophy of the people. A lot of fans have gotten their hands on it and had their pictures taken with it. Feel a part of it. Our fans are just a big a part of this as with the players.”

Will we see any of the players make a trip to Asia to promote Yankees baseball?

“There’s nothing currently planned. We study every situation and this trip wasn’t planned at all. It only came together in the last three weeks and we acted on it. Maybe the next time around there’s a possibility but we have to work that around people’s schedules because there’ll be spring training around the corner.”

Last question, Mr. Cashman -- may I ask for a photo with you?

“Of course!”

And everyone, including members of the media from television, print, and the web, who had gathered around and listened to my interview broke out in laughter.

I had another one of those memorable Yankee moments.

The Chisox World 2005 World Series Trophy

My friend and colleague Miggy Mendoza was in the Windy City some time ago and he snapped pics of the 2005 World Series trophy won by the Chicago White Sox. Nice answer to my post on the Yankees' 2009 trophy.

Hong Kong Diary 2010 Day 3

Having interviewed the Yankees' brass and gotten my photo ops the day before, I had done what I needed to do. So on my third day, I spent nearly the whole morning in bed. Well, I did chat with some hotel guests at the coffee shop. The couple are from Norway and they were in HK for four days and three nights. He noted that I was reading the sports section of the South China Morning Post and he asked about the football results. So that's how it all got started. We chatted for about an hour at the lobby, they were going to Ocean Park and to Macau while I was headed back to bed. Needed some sleep and to check email. When the tour bus arrived, we shook hands and said we'd see if we can hook up for some brews at the Night Market.

Back in my room, I'm lying down half snoozing and half re-reading Michael Lewis' The Blind Side. I've only read two of his books, this one and Moneyball and IMHO, they are plenty amazing. I'd say he's the best sports writer out there right now. He's got an amazing eye for stats, trends, and analysis that runs deeper than most. He can research with the best of them and isn't shy about traveling just to get revealing interviews. The plus here is. -- he sure can recreate a story.

Around 1pm, I head on out first to Wan Chai then Stanley. But before I could get anywhere, I decide I'm hungry. I ate at this Chinese restaurant but the food tastes so unappetizing that I don't finish it and instead move to a Lebanese resto. Wasted the money but no way could I hold the food down without hurling. It was plain awful. Nothing like Middle Eastern flava to take the bad taste in my mouth. Yes, that and a can of Diet Pepsi.

On shopping: the trick about buying is to hold off as long as you could because you'll always find the same thing elsewhere at a cheaper price. Case in point: the latest issue of Sports Illustrated. If you get it at HMV, Page One, or Dymocks, it'll cost HK $65. At Relay, it's -- HK $35! And the Real Madrid movie DVD -- it's HK $50! At the other store (hey, I'm not saying where except that it's in Mong Kok), it fetches for HK $170. Same material and it's no fake. Just gotta know where to look.

The hottest sports apparel now? The NBA All-Star gear. I'm not into NBA jerseys much nowadays except for completing my Michael Jordan collection and every Kobe Bryant jersey but this one I want to have except that no dinero. Once the NBA season's done, then there's the upcoming World Cup. The stores will be fully stocked by then. Same with the DVD shops. But this year's NBA All-Star stuff look cool.

When I bought my Zinedine Zidane Real Madrid jersey, it was at the Royal Sports Club along Nathan Road. But if you go the adidas stores they didn't carry it. RSC is one of two stores in HK (then) to carry authentic jerseys with names. If you stick to the main stores here, you don't know what you're missing. In Causeway Bay, they have PSV Eindhoven (Nike), Olympique Marseille (adidas), and Ajax Amsterdam (adidas). In RSC, they have the LFC long-sleeved jersey for HK $500. Kinda pricey though. In the night/street markets, they're all knock-offs if that's your cuppa coffee. Not mine though. I buy original.

I'm tired. The adrenaline surge of yesterday has left me spent and tired. Once I return, I just order for take out and head back to the room. Toss my shoes in a corner and plop down to bed.

In an adidas store far far from home

The adidas originals store at K11 Mall/Hotel along Hanoi Road in Tsim Sha Tsui is a good place to buy those original stuff. The Stormtrooper/Superstar version they have here is different from what we have back home in Manila. It's better! Darn it. And they have the lightsaber duel sweater in addition to the shirt (we only have the latter). That's me against the wall at the ground floor.

Stormtrooper Fashionistas. Am looking for parts of a Stormtrooper's body armor. Would be cool to go in one at some convention. Hahaha.

Another tie up with Disney and the Nightmare Before Christmas. They have a whole box of parts that you can make into rings. Yep, rings. You can configure it to your taste. Free with a certain purchase of stuff. Guess kids will dig this.

Two levels of originals stuff. Nice store. Too expensive though. Hahaha. So off to the bargain bins of Kowloon. The city awaits.

On TNT's walkout in the series versus Ginebra

Last night, I was getting text messages galore about talk 'N Text's walkout from Game 4 with Ginebra. I missed the last two games since I wasn't in town so it's hard to tell.

I saw Game 2 and thought there were some questionable calls but it didn't cross my mind that something was afoot. I guess one has to watch the entire series to be able to judge properly. I replied to a few (hey it costs 20 bucks for each text here) asking if the calls were bad. Some said they were. But this just makes this conference the most tumultuous in PBA history beginning with the Japeth Aguilar fiasco, the Wynne Arboleda incident, and now this.

There have always been conspiracy stories in the PBA (and the NBA as well) and this well, feeds that notion once more if you read the statement by TNT officials. Do I believe in shit happening in sports? To quote Michael Keaton in the movie Gung Ho, "Is a frog's ass water tight?" For this series, I'll have to reserve my judgement. But shit happens. You cannot see it but you can smell it, to steal Joe Lipa's line. Unless you're Tim Donaghy.

Got an inquiry if I dislike the PBA. No, I watch once in a while. Definitely do not watch as much as I used to. And it's not really what it once was but that's a topic best reserved for another time. I once held season passes for two consecutive years and would get in even if it wasn't my beat. When was the last time I really followed the games? The height of the Red Bull-Purefoods rivalry.

But back to the TNT walk out. The first I saw was the Ginebra walkout against Shell in the championship way back in the 90s. Red Bull attempted one recently as well. And based on the previous incidents, I do not see the PBA leadership going lenient on TNT on this. I do believe however, that the fans who watched deserve to get their money back for the game. But again, this makes a royal mess. So anyone care to offer their thoughts on the officiating and the games thus far?

Photo by the Philippine Star's Jun Mendoza

Lindsey Vonn is Hot Copy

Someone again took affront to this cover of the latest issue of Sports Illustrated. What do you think? And in a week or two the annual swimsuit issue is going to be out again so we'll hear more complaints albeit from other quarters as well.

As for me, Lindsey Vonn's pose my slightly be exaggerated, but it's still close to the sport and I think it's cool. I seem to recall a shot of Michael Phelps prior to the 2004 Summer Olympics and he was in his trunks. Only the malicious will see something wrong here. Back to this issue of SI, the fact that Vonn didn't complain about it means it's okay. But I do understand the sensitivity issue here. However, WOMEN TALK ABOUT SPORTS, you just about turned this issue into another sold out copy for SI. Okay, now bring on the dancing horses.

Hong Kong Diary 2010 Day 2

I told myself, this is not a time to be prudent or half-assed. As soon as the short program for the presentation of the 2009 World Series trophy to the Hong Kong media and fans ended, I went up to the hostess and asked if I could get right beside the trophy for a photo op.

"As long as you don't touch it," she gently reminded.

"Scout's honor!" I promised with every word dripping with excitement. What's my greatest moment in my being a long time fan of the New York Yankees? I have lots actually.

There's meeting Jason Giambi in his first season at the Bronx, going to Yankee Stadium for the first time, cheering for Alex Rodriguez as we tried to get him to sign with New York, watching Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS when Aaron Boone smacked that walk-off home run, and going inside the Yankees dugout and seeing the late Thurman Munson's locker. But this one... well, I don't know. Maybe right after the Boone home run.

I was planning the trip to HK after the Chinese New Year but the sudden trip to the Far East by Yankees officials necessitated an earlier trip. As soon as I arrived in HK, I checked out K11 hotel/mall at TST for the interview with GM Brian Cashman.

When I wrote the club last week, they couldn't confirm the one-on-one interview. Well, at least they replied. So when I arrived, I went to the hotel to verify. Yes, they said. I can interview him, but priority is HK media. That's okay. So to be sure I get in, I signed up in the fan's list for the photo op. I was the eighteenth person to sign up.

I couldn't believe it. There were limited slots. Like 40 fans allowed aside from a couple of baseball teams, the kids of K11 officials, and about 30 media people. So there were like a hundred plus folks inside a conference room. I'll write about it in my next column for Bleachers' Brew in Business Mirror.

As soon as the host gave permission, I went up the stage and got like eight shots (my friend Andy, who is from Taiwan but now lives in HK took the shots) with the trophy. Then it was my turn to take Andy's pic. From there, I sidled over to Yankees GM Brian Cashman, waited for one reporter to finish the his interview then got mine (on video). Hahaha. Can't be meek here or they'll run over you. Mr. Cashman thought it was cool to have someone from the Philippines come over. I was the only one outside Hong Kong media to be there. But they did stop by Tokyo and Beijing on their way here.

My luck ended when I couldn't get a Yankees Universe tee shirt. They had run out. "You might want to check yankees.com," said one team aide. Talk about sales talk.

Then I interviewed fans here. From locals to expats. Come to think of it, it wasn't an interview at all. We all had fun chatting. And I had to be the one to tell them that the 2009 World Series DVD was available at HMV. When I checked it out on my way back to the hotel, there was one disc left. There was a bunch yesterday. Hahaha. Salesman. Salesman.

I was planning on having some Vietnamese food for dinner but instead tried out Ebeneezer's Kebabs and Pizzeria along Prat Street (a short short walk from K11).

Picked up The XX's excellent indie debut XX. In case you don't know yet, I'm a bigger music fan than I am of sports. This British band sounds like a stripped-down version of early New Order with some trip hop influences. You may also think of the Ting Tings. Real cool.

I posted lots of pictures at my Facebook page. Stuff along Salisbury Road, the Star Ferry, Avenue of the Stars, Mongkok, and the trophy event. I saw some hookers and I wanted to interview them. One of them asked she doesn't like to talk but she's more into action. Holeee! Hahaha. She then asked in broken English, "You write about sex?"

Dudes... I let out the loudest laugh but had to cut it lest I insult her. I explained things a bit and she thought I was asking for a discount. Hmmmm. Hahaha!

Earlier... I saw this punk rock shop near Silvercord Centre. But didn't go anymore.

It rained a bit. And that made it kind of colder. But it was all in all a great day.

Unlike the Yankees 2009 season, the DVD isn't a Home Run

This is a good way to re-live the past MLB season for the Yankees. I said "good" not "great" and there is a difference. Yes, the footage, since they had like five or six different cameras used during the game, is excellent. The soundbytes aren't bad either. However, I wish there was more.

But the championship DVD is still not bad.

I thought some of the sound work done for the World Series DVD was unnecessary such as the echo effect used twice. What was that for? And there was only one interview with Tyler Kepner (of the NY Times) but several of WFAN's Sweeney Murti? Where was SI's Tom Verducci? ESPN's Peter Gammons? And of former Yankees, the best they could do was former pitcher Jeff Nelson? Why not Bernie Williams since he grew up in the team's farm system although he came up ahead of Jeet, Mo, Jorge, and Andy? And Reggie Jackson is always around so why not him? I would have loved to see what he had to say about Philadelphia's Chase Utley hitting five home runs in the World Series. And no Joba Chamberlain? No mention even of Joe Torre. Incredible!

Ah, a great season that ended with title #27 deserves better. But it's still not bad. Hopefully the other DVD, A Season of Pride, Tradition & Glory, as produced by the YES Network is more in depth (and it usually is).

Hong Kong Diary 2010

February 4, 2010

"Sir, please switch off your iPod. We're making our descent soon."

The man next to me then replied with a touch of sarcasm, "Can you switch off that baby? He's been crying non-stop from Manila? This is a nightmare!"

The pretty stewardess looked at me as well as I had my headphones on too. "What he said." I sheepishly chimed in.

Everyone else was in agreement. The man the continued talking to no one in particular. "I know parents do not want to leave their newborn when they travel but do you think they enjoy their vacation? What's the kid going to say when he grows up. 'I don't even remember going to Hong Kong.'"

The dad in the meantime glanced at the man but couldn't glare. After all, every one was so pissed.

"What this plane needs is an eject button." The man was on a roll. "Or maybe they can put the baby inside the luggage."

Mean. Mean. But I was fighting to contain my snickering.

But thank God for the iPod. My sanity was restored. Talk about going stir crazy inside a plane of 150 people. On the way to the city, some of the first-timers (Pinoys) were asking for tips on do's and don'ts here in HK. Having been here like forever, I know it like the back of my hand. And honestly, I enjoy playing tour guide. Did it in NYC as a racket. But I had things to do so I just gave them pointers (including where to go find girly joints hahaha).

Last days of the sale before the Chinese New Year. Before I do some looking around, I check the location for the press conference and photo op with the New York Yankees tomorrow. It's at Hanoi Road in Tsim Sha Tsui. Have no idea how many will attend the press con. I brought my 2009 Championship Shirt and my Jeter pinstripes.

I'm staying at Tsim Sha Tsui. My fave place in the island. Everything you need and want is right here.

When buying anything, it's always always best to go around and get a sampling of prices. For instance, an issue of Four Four Two is more expensive at Page One (best venue is at Times Square at Causeway Bay but the one at The Gateway is not so bad than HMV. Some CDs are cheaper by HK $30 at Hong Kong Records as opposed to HMV.

So wish list: Silversun Pickups, Rancid, Bloc Party, and Lacuna Coil. Looked at a bunch of graphic design books. I loved collecting this stuff. One day, I will give up writing for painting again. Back to where I started. As for football stuff... next to Europe, you've come to the right place. Times Square has all these sports stores almost side by side. Same also at The Gateway. And HMV has lots of DVDs and mags too!

Ate at a Lebanese resto in LKF. This is a trendier part of town so prices are more expensive that what you can also find at Jordan or Mongkok. Now, I'm spoiling for Greek! Maybe tomorrow.

When you buy stuff, the clerks ask if you need a bag for your stuff (unless you bought a ton of them). It's their way of cutting down on plastic. If you need a bag, then they charge you .50c. Whether that has been deducted from the cost I have no idea. Luckily for me, I always travel with a backpack.

Got into some trouble with a money changer. This one is at Peking corner Hankow Roads in Tsim Sha Tsui. At first he showed me on his calculator that the exchange rate was HK $7.60 = US $1. So I forked over US $200 but the receipt he gave me was for HK $7.08 and even worse, he said that I only gave him US $100. Naturally I got mad and began to raise my voice. So he was answering me in Chinese so I told him to go fuck himself sideways. Now there were several Caucasians in line and I told them all that he cheated me out of my money and a few cried out in disgust. No one then went to him. The money changer got mad and he stormed out and called the cops (I did the same too). Went to a station to give a statement. I got back only $100. I told him that if he doesn't return the other hunnert then I will come back tomorrow and take pictures of his store and blog it all over the world. Complete with his bogus receipt. The sad thing here is the cops sided with him. They kept speaking in Chinese. "No, English." said one cop. So as we were giving out statements, I was exchanging cuss words with the money changer in English, Chinese, and Filipino. It might have sounded hilarious except for I wanted to totally bust his face and beat the snot out of him. And this took like two hours. One Filipina who works here saw what was happening and told me that some money changers are like that.

I usually change my money in a store along Prat Avenue. The owner already knows me from way back. I should have gone there. My mistake.

All this shit made me miss having dinner with a friend at LKF. Oh well.

Have more stuff here: http://the11-11pages.blogspot.com/

Ateneo Track & Field: Day 1

This was reported by my good friend Itunu Kuku of the Ateneo Men's Track and Field team. When he came to Ateneo (his dad is a diplomat), he wanted to join the football team. Instead, he found himself representing Ateneo in track and field. Good job, bro and good luck on your events this coming Sunday! OBF!

Day 1, is traditionally a day when Track powerhouse FEU leaves all other school's behind to eat their dust by a margin of around 20 points. At the end of day one in season 72's Track and Field competition FEU was ahead of the ADMU team by only 2 points while UE and UST are tied at third behind us by 5. The competition has never been this close in recent years.

Day 1 Medals
Mike Mendoza- Gold Mens 110m Hurdles
Carlos Soy Soriano- Silver Mens 100m dash

Maita Mendoza- Gold Womens 100m dash
Mica Sibayan- Bronze Womens shot put

mi adidas custom golf shoe

For golfers. Design has a simple elegance to it and I'm sure the comfort here is top notch.