August 8, 2005

South edges North 18-16 in Wedemeyer all-star game

South scores twice in fourth quarter on TD runs for win

By Diego Abeloos
Sports Writer

For the seniors on the field, the 31st Annual Charlie Wedemeyer All-Star Football Game meant only one thing. It would be the last time any of them would play in a high school football game.

The South team gets into a huddle before the start of the 31st Annual Charlie Wedemeyer All-Star Football Game at San Jose City College on July 20. The South won the game 18-16 on two fourth-quarter touchdowns. Photo by Dan Miranda

So it came as little surprise that the all-star showcase, played at San Jose City College on July 20, saw fourth-quarter heroics in an 18-16 win for the South team.

Trailing the North squad 16-12, the South, comprised of senior players mainly from San Jose schools, drove the ball 72 yards on 11 plays, culminating in a one-yard touchdown run by Steven Pinon of Piedmont Hills with 2:12 left to take a two-point lead.

“We came through in the fourth quarter,” said Pioneer’s Steve Matos, who played guard for the South. “It was the biggest quarter of the game, but we came through.”

The South took the ball at its own 28 and quickly made it near midfield on a 15-yard pass from Branham’s T.J. DeStefano to Live Oak’s Shaun Standridge to the 48. Lincoln’s Raul Figueroa opened the drive with a five-yard run.

The key play of the drive and the game came with the South seemingly stuck at the North 42 on fourth-and-12. DeStefano took the snap and tossed a lateral to Santa Teresa’s Marlon Rosales, who heaved a pass downfield and found, among a crowd of defenders, the outstretched arms of Piedmont Hills’ Terrence Critchlow for a 34-yard completion.

With a first-and-goal at the North eight, the South then handed the ball off twice to Mt. Pleasant’s Hasaan Jackson for four yards before Pinon took two straight handoffs, one for three yards and the latter handoff on fourth-and-inches, resulting in a one-yard touchdown run.

“First of all, nobody gave us a chance,” said Pioneer Head Coach Mark Krail, who served as head coach for the South squad. “Everybody thought this was the North’s year to stop the South and so we played on that a little bit. Our guys just played a great game. It was 100 percent team effort. I told them yesterday, I said, ‘You’re not an all-star team, you’re a team.’ There were 45 guys who believed in each other and you know, that carried us.”

Prior to the game-winning drive, the South put together a scoring drive that began with 2:34 to go in the third quarter, advancing the ball 74 yards on nine plays for a touchdown from Oak Grove’s Burton Iosefa, who tucked the ball and ran for the score from four yards out, cutting the North’s lead from 16-6 to 16-12 with 10:37 to go in the game.

Yerba Buena quarterback David Andrade opened up the drive by connecting on consecutive passes to Richie Martin (a Yerba Buena teammate) for seven yards and Pinon for another two yards. Rosales then took a handoff from Andrade and scrambles 46 yards, giving the South a first down at the North’s 19.

On third-and-10 from the North 19, Iosefa’s number was called again and the first-team all-league player responded with a 12-yard dash, setting the South up at the North seven with a fresh set of downs. The South then pounded the ball on the ground three straight times, getting a two-yard run from Pinon followed by a one-yard run from Figueroa before Iosefa completed the drive with a four-yard touchdown run.

“It was just a team that, I know it’s a cliché but, never said die,” Krail said of the South. “They just refused to quit. We were down 16-6 and they refused to quit and we were able to punch it in a couple of times.”

At the start of the contest, it seemed as if the North squad would have the better of the South, striking first on a 21-yard field goal from Lincoln’s Patrick Yanez to go up 3-0 in the first quarter.

The South struck back right away, as Gunderson’s Eley Dytanion ran back the North kickoff 73 yards from the South seven, placing the offense at the North 20. Iosefa made quick work of the opportunity, taking the handoff on the first play from scrimmage and running the ball 20 yards into the end zone for a 6-3 South lead with 5:52 left in the first quarter. The South failed on the extra point conversion.

The score remained the same until the first drive of the third quarter, when the South took the ball from its own 23 and advanced it to the North 37. On third-and-three, Evergreen Valley’s Steven Walraven tossed a lateral to Rosales, who fumbled the ball. St. Francis linebacker Mike Morales recovered the ball for the North at the 38 and ran the ball 62 yards untouched into the end zone with 7:15 left, giving the North the lead back at 9-6. The North failed on the extra point.

Later in the third quarter, the North added to its lead, as St. Francis’ Ekahi Casino fielded a punt from Pioneer’s Bobby Lopez at the North 14 and ran it back 86 yards for a touchdown with 2:42 left for a 16-6 lead.

In the end, however, it was the South that got the better of the North.

“That was a tough team,” said Westmont Head Coach Tony Santos, head coach of the North squad. “They were hard-running and Iosefa, there’s a reason why he led the (CCS) section in rushing. Their offensive line did a great job, but I think offensively, we let the team down today.”

From boy to man in three seconds

Life flashes by during ride in historic stock car on streets of San Jose

By Diego Abeloos
Sports Writer

It all started with an innocuous phone call late at night, just four days before the start of the Taylor Woodrow Grand Prix of San Jose

PIPE DREAMS OR NIGHTMARE? Times sports writer Diego Abeloos behind the wheel of Bruce Swanson’s Ford Thunderbird. Don’t be fooled by the smile— he’s more nervous than an expectant father. Photo by Kymberli Brady

“Are you ready for this?” said the voice on the other end of the line. “You’d better bring a change of boxer shorts.”

That voice on the line was my colleague, Times staff writer Kymberli Brady. She informed me that she arranged for both of us to go for a ride through the streets of San Jose as passengers in a pair of historic NASCAR stock cars on Thursday, July 28. The ride, which would take us from Stockton Avenue (near the HP Pavilion) to the McEnery Convention Center, was to be accomplished under full police escort in a controlled environment. In other words, there would be no high-speed drag racing along the way.

OK, now let’s hit the pause button.

Before I go any further, let’s make something crystal clear.

Prior to the grand prix, I had no knowledge of racing whatsoever. The only thing I knew about NASCAR was through highlights on ESPN, showing fiery crashes and other unpleasant sights no human being should have to endure—and then I nearly swallowed my tongue, realizing I would be riding in one of those cars.

Granted, going 40 miles per hour down San Jose streets is nothing new to me, as we would be in the NASCAR stock cars, but the thought of being hopelessly strapped into one of these powerful vehicles like a crash test dummy was rather unsettling.

As July 28 approached, thoughts of my demise were running through my head like a video reel played on an endless loop. The only comfort I had was knowing that if something did happen, there was sure to be someone among the numerous drivers who would pull my smoldering carcass from the car.

My wife Vanessa, usually the consoling type, had only a couple of choice words of advice for me before I left for my ride: “Don’t die,” she said in a sarcastic tone.

When I arrived at the storage yard on Stockton Avenue—the place where the stock cars were located—I found my driver, Bruce Swanson of Swanson Ford in Los Gatos, and his No. 7 Exide Batteries Ford Thunderbird stock car, which was previously driven in the NASCAR circuit by Geoff Bodine in the mid-1990s.

One look at Bruce and a single thought popped into my head—this is the guy who’s going to determine whether I walk away unscathed or, in the worst case, will have to order a colorful wreath for my funeral out of sheer guilt.

When “go-time” finally came, Bruce looked at me and simply said, “Get in.”

Once I pulled my “Dukes of Hazzard” maneuver and climbed into his car, my mind went blank. I couldn’t even figure out how to buckle my belts—and so, in a sheepish tone—I asked Bruce for help.

Boy, did I feel like a man.

The engine then rumbled to life and sounded like a dozen Harley-Davidson motorcycles under one hood. Earplugs in and my white-knuckled grip firmly around a random roll-cage bar, we took off with a police escort at our side, speeding down the road in a way most men only wish they could do in their Toyota Corollas.

I had to admit, I was enjoying this ride and I even managed to crack a nervous smile—that is, until Bruce decided to let the stock cars in front of him ride on, clearing a 50-60 yard stretch of road down Montgomery Street. With a slightly devilish grin on his face, Bruce kicked the car into high gear, an obvious show of the car’s true power to the on-looking San Jose residents lining the street.

My head snapped back as if I just caught a bullet with my teeth. I looked to my right and saw the spectators on the street become streaks of muddled colors. And just as quickly, we slowed down, having caught up with the rest of the pack as we neared our final destination.

DRIVING MR. ABELOOS. Times sports writer Diego Abeloos (left) poses for a photo with Bruce Swanson of Swanson Ford in Los Gatos, owner of the No. 7 Exide Batteries Ford Thunderbird stock car. The car’s previous owners included NASCAR driver Geoff Bodine, who drove the car on the NASCAR circuit during the 1990s. Photo by Kymberli Brady

Suddenly, my senses returned to my body, having been left behind, along with all my major organs, somewhere on the corner of Montgomery Street and Santa Clara Street.

Once we pulled inside the McEnery Convention Center, I happily hopped out of the car, having finally figured out how to unbuckle the seatbelt, and helped Bruce push the car to its resting place.

The one thing I took away from the experience—aside from a sweat-soaked shirt—was an appreciation for guys like Bruce Swanson who own historic NASCAR stock cars.

They simply do it for the love of driving.

Money is certainly not a motivating factor, since the drivers and owners pay expenses. such as $700 per tire, out of their own pockets. If you think gas prices are high in the Bay Area, then try filling up a stock car at $6 per gallon.

It’s about speed, the likes of which my boxy little Scion Xb will never get to experience. In fact, these cars make my Scion look like a turtle with a limp.

But while guys like Bruce Swanson pay a hefty price for a hobby like racing historic stock cars, I’ve paid a small price too, finding out just how awesomely powerful these machines truly are.

Here’s a rundown:

The cost of a pair of earplugs: $2.

The cost of a new pair of boxer shorts: $7 (I prefer cotton to silk).

The cost of riding in a historic stock car: priceless—and worth the experience. But I’ll stick with my sputtering Scion Xb.

Inaugural Taylor Woodrow Grand Prix of San Jose

The good, the bad, and the ugly—all for a good cause

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

When San Jose Grand Prix Vice President and General Manager Bob Singleton promised more than a race, rather a weeklong festival of activities that would generate significant revenue for the local community, he wasn’t kidding.

Mayor Ron Gonzales and his wife Giselle enjoy the entertainment provided by a very active live auction that offered everything from a ride in Champ car to a bicycle getaway on a private jet with Lance Armstrong and Robin Williams. Photo by Kymberli Brady

Whether hard-core race fans, hungry downtown business owners, or those simply looking for something exciting to do, the San Jose Grand Prix put the city on the map during the first open-wheel street race ever held in Northern California.

In fact, it made for a high-octane weekend of fast cars, slow pedestrian bridges, record-breaking bar business, disappointing restaurant sales [unless you own nearby Peggy Sue’s]; double the usual light rail capacity, and 30-50,000 more people than anticipated.

And then there’s the big number that has everyone intimately involved holding their collective breath over, as the inaugural race through the streets of downtown San Jose is being called a huge success, with preliminary revenue estimates hovering around the $20 million mark. Things could have been much worse. They could have been better too. All in all, it wasn’t bad for the first time around the track.

The Good.
Hotels were sold out, nearby bars beat all prior revenue records. The Grill, dubbed “Race Central” normally rakes in about $16,000 on a good Friday night. Last Friday, they recounted the $30,000 take again just to be sure of the number that not only broke their own record, but a franchise record as well.

Light rail usage nearly doubled from an average of 26,000 passengers to 51,000 on race day, much to the delight of VTA officials. Those who opted to spend the weekend downtown saw the city in a completely different light while traversing the local streets—revealing a downtown in the midst of a silent growth spurt, with luxury apartments and homes reminiscent of the well-manicured Brownstones of New York City—an impossible perspective from within the confines of a vehicle [hybrid or otherwise], unless you can put the top down.

OSH President and CEO Rob Lynch, center, believes in supporting events that give back to the community. Shown with James Lo [left] and employee Faruk Abdulah. Photo by Kymberli Brady

Those willing [or able] to shell out $500 a ticket for a seat at the Canary Fund Cabana Night, dined under Cabanas on lit tables, got a better look at some of the drivers, who modeled the latest Tommy Bahamas fashions hosted by NBC11 anchors Diane Dwyer and Raj Mathai, participated in a frenzied live auction, with a little prodding by premier auctioneer, Jay Fisk that captured $15,000 for a ride in the custom two-seater Canary Champ car and $30,000 for a bike ride with Lance Armstrong and his pal Robin Williams (destination TBD). The lucky bidder will be notified by phone, picked up in a private jet and whisked off to [France perhaps?] for the adventure. When the auctioneer offered the second high bidder the same opportunity, he happily raised his bid.

The highlight of the evening was an exclusive performance by the B-52s, who still had it after all those years, as was evident by the overflowing dance floor where 90 percent of the ballroom had migrated until hotel management pulled the plug.

The auction raised over $150,000 in less than a half hour, while the event total came in at a cool half million.

On Saturday, $7,500 could have guaranteed you a seat in a go-cart and a chance to race the legendary Paul Newman at the miniature track located next to the whole pig roasting on a barbecue spit.

Actor, philanthropist, and race car owner Paul Newman, 80, climbed into a go cart and readied himself for the competition: a dozen or so corporate CEOs and 101FM radio personality Don Bleu, all in the name of charity, friendly competition, and bragging rights.

“The Canary Fund and the whole camp here are involved in cancer,” Newman said. “They’re involved in the cure of it and the healing of it. It’s a joint venture, and a very good one at that.”

The B-52s hit all the right notes and inherited a full row of background wannabe race car drivers-turned singers/dancers following a clam bake-style dinner, fashion show and live auction that raised a cool half million dollars for the Canary Fund. Photo by Charles Sullivan

“Even though it’s the first year, everybody seemed to be having a good time,” said 101 FM’s Don Bleu. As soon as the cars go by at 140 mph, everybody goes, oh wow, this is great! That’s why we’re happy to be a part of this. It’s really good for San Jose and it’s great for the Bay Area.”

With a chuckle, Bleu stressed the importance of knowing his machine, especially the gas tank wedged between his legs, which were wedged into a machine not very accommodating to his six-foot four stature.

"Once you get out there, you’re just a bunch of little boys … or girls," he said. "We’re just having fun but it will probably be competitive. I’m sure the Silicon Valley will have something to defend and who ever wins will be brought back to task next year.

Aside from the thrill of the ride, Rob Lynch, Almaden resident and CEO of OSH Hardware said it was worth every penny, for two reasons.

“It was a great event, really well done and for a great cause," he said. “One of our core values is giving back to the community and stopping and doing things like this for other people. It’s not just about making a buck. When I heard about this, it was a no brainier. It was successful and that’s what it’s all about.

The Bad.
$3 bottles of water … and the pedestrian bridges, or lack thereof, which created enough chaos on their own that everything else probably originated there.

Mayor Ron Gonzales summed the dilemma up rather eloquently and promised to rectify the problem next year.

“When you plan a party in your living room for 100,000 people and 150,000 show up, some things will suffer, but they are all issues that can be remedied.”

Race organizers echoed the sentiment in a full-page ad which promised “more fun, more speed, and more bridges!”

The Ugly.
The tracks, the tracks, the tracks—specifically those used to keep the city's lightrail on course, but instead provided fans with unique glimpses of cars catching serious airtime. They were indeed the token scapegoat for every bolt, push rod, and carburetor that ended up on the track, forcing nearly half of the cars into the pits before the end of the race, one that will surely improve over the years, because racing looks like it’s here to stay. The drivers want to come back, attendance signified a powerful show of support, and downtown San Jose is sexier because of it.

The Canary Fund, a public nonprofit organization has joined forces with The American Cancer Society, The Lance Armstrong Foundation, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and others dedicated to the research and development of a Biomarker Discovery Platform [BDO] that will make early detection screening less evasive, while raising much-needed funding for ongoing research and awareness. For more information, visit www.canaryfund.org.