Saturday, November 05, 2005
Sayson: ‘Dayos run in New York; Shaq falls again
By Homer Sayson
Secondovertime
CHICAGO — When the starting gun blasts for the 36th running of the world-famous ING New York City Marathon tomorrow, an estimated 37,000 runners from all over the planet will eagerly bolt through the starting line at the foot of the Verazzano Bridge in Staten Island.
Founded in 1970 when only a sparse 127 entrants took part, the marathon will traverse the Big Apple’s five boroughs, winding through Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx, before tailing off to Central Park where the renowned blue tape waits at the finish line.
Joining the New York marathon is as hard as the actual run. You can’t just fill up a form on Saturday and slip into a pair of running shorts on Sunday. To enter, one must meet certain requirements pegged by the organizers.
And since not everyone can be accommodated, “thousands more have been turned away,” writes Frank Litsky of the New York Times.
Two of the blessed souls welcomed to join the race hail from Talisay City — Cerronne and Lence Dayo, brothers who both now live in Sommerville, New Jersey.
In support of the Dayo brothers’ qualification to the prestigious event, Cebu City Councilor Jack Jakosalem sent them marathon jerseys with the Team Cebu logo and the Philippine flag prominently featured.
JERSEYS. Out of his own wallet, Jack paid P2,400 to DHL the jerseys to the United States. He said he’ll willingly do it again. “It’s the least I could do to help athletes such as the Dayos, who bring us pride and joy by joining a mammoth event that is captured in the international stage.”
Although both are experienced milers, neither of the Dayos will win the first prize. Someone from Kenya will likely take care of that. But make no mistake, Cerronne and Lence won’t be just bystanders, either. They intend to finish this race, and with honor and integrity, they will cover every yard of those brutal 26.2 miles.
“Sports is not just about winning,” said Cerronne. He just wants to inspire the youths out there that there is a detour from the madness of the streets, a way to run away from the “destructive vices” that have rotten the core of the young.
“I believe in the three Ds in life,” Cerrone added. “Dream, determination, discipline.”
Way to go, Cerronne. Keep hydrated and good luck to you and Lence.
SHAQ FALLS. With 6:35 left to play in last night’s Miami-Indiana game at the American Airlines Arena, Shaquille O’Neal sprained his right ankle. As the giant was helped out from the court to the locker room, every single one of the 20,128 fans who were at the arena held their breath.
Mishaps such as the one that Shaq painfully met is the very precise reason why I don’t make early predictions.
You see, the regular season is an 82-game grind that spreads from early November until deep into April. One misstep, an awkward landing, a wayward elbow, or God forbid, another brawl, can effectively ruin any team’s championship aspirations.
The Heat did lose to the Pacers last night, 105-102. But to blame that debacle to Shaq’s fourth quarter exit would be a stretch.
The Pacers simply beat a Heat team that was confused and too individualistic at times.
Displaying the teamwork and chemistry that Miami sorely lacked, Indiana saw all of its starters score in double figures.
Jermaine O’Neal was on the forefront of the Pacers charge, scoring 27 points and snatching nine rebounds. Ron Artest had 22.
Dwayne Wade led the Heat with 31 points, six rebounds and 10 assists, but he had five turnovers and little help as Indy raced to a 6-0 run that broke a 93-93 tie with under three minutes to play.
(homsay@hotmail.com)
(November 5, 2005 issue)
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