New Year’s hopes

As we bid 2003 goodbye, we welcome the new year with fresh hope for better times in sports. We’ve had our share of ups and downs. Let’s hope 2004 will bring us more good than bad news particularly as the country’s first Olympic gold medal continues to be an elusive target and we’ve got a chance to finally hit paydirt in Athens.

Let’s enter the minds of our favorite sports stars and officials and imagine what they’re dreaming of on the eve of the turn of the year.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Celso Dayrit–To cement his legacy in Philippine sports with an Olympic gold medal in Athens. Dayrit’s term as POC president ends after the Olympics and he’ll no doubt be a cinch for a fresh mandate if the country bags a gold. A gentleman who prefers to mend than tear down fences, Dayrit isn’t afraid to voice his opinions on issues that relate to sports. He sticks to issues and never takes arguments to a personal level. But he’s got to know when to let go of lackeys who are just out to take advantage of his largesse.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Eric Buhain–To find new meaning to the much-maligned moniker "Magnificent 7." Buhain has weathered the storm that once threatened to blow him out of office. He knows what it takes to make a difference–to show results, to manage with absolute transparency and to play fair. It’s a matter of just getting the job done.

Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines president Manny Lopez–To be served International Amateur Boxing Association president Professor Anwar Chowdry’s head on a silver platter. Chowdry has long been the bane of Philippine amateur boxing. He hates the Philippines with the same passion that he loves Thailand. If Lopez qualifies a slew of Filipino fighters for the Athens Olympics, perhaps Chowdry will be shamed into conceding a medal or two to those who are deserving. But can you hold your breath on it?

Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) commissioner Noli Eala–To put the pro league back on track as a TV ratings leader. Eala’s master plan for the PBA looks good. On paper, it’s a can’t miss proposition. Implementation shouldn’t be difficult if the players get their act together, meaning they play their guts out game in, game out. Eala is level-headed, creative and decisive. He’s what the PBA needs to soar to new heights.

Trackster John Lozada–To wear a new pair of running shoes with reinforced heel pads so no Vietnamese can ever spike him out of his cleats.

Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association president Go Teng Kok–To solve the mystery of his aborted assassination. Who was the mastermind? Why was he in the hit list? Who are his enemies? Although he has promised to forgive the mastermind, poor Go probably can’t sleep nights knowing the ringleader’s still on the loose, somewhere.

Prospective PBA draftees Ranidel de Ocampo, James Yap, Rich Alvarez–To be picked by a team where they can blossom into legitimate stars with significant playing minutes to prove their worth. The PBA draft is set on Jan. 16 at the Glorietta and fans can’t wait for the influx of promising young men. Will it mean the twilight of the careers of senior statesmen like Alvin Patrimonio, Chris Jackson and Jerry Codiñera?

Amateur cage standout Alex Compton–To play in the PBA as a local. He’s definitely out of the coming PBA draft. But the Manila-born American, whose parents were Peace Corps volunteers, is appealing for consideration. There’s a slim chance the PBA Board will conduct a special draft for Compton if only to indicate his is a special case and shouldn’t be taken as a precedent. For the record, the only active former NCAA Division I foreign players who were born in Manila are Compton of Cornell, half-Korean guard Tony Rutland of Wake Forest (he teamed with Tim Duncan) and Dennis Rodman’s half-brother Phil of Boise State.

Incoming PBA chairman Buddy Encarnado–To provide the same leadership and wisdom as his predecessors. The long-time Sta. Lucia Realty team manager knows the pro league inside out. He’s a no-nonsense type of guy who pulls no punches. He tells it like it is. Encarnado’s experience in the league will go a long way in reestablishing the PBA as a pro league of consequence.

Cue artist Efren (Bata) Reyes–To crack his streak of bad luck and regain the title at the World Pool Championships in Cardiff. With or without his teeth, Reyes is still the man to beat in billiards. Only lately, he’s been a bit out of focus. His Southeast Asian (SEA) Games showing was forgettable. Reyes knows he’s good but he should never take his opponents lightly. Sometimes, too much confidence can lead to a reversal of fortunes.

4-time World Cup of bowling champion Paeng Nepomuceno–To regain his killer form on the lanes. He turns 47 on Jan. 30 but age doesn’t seem to slow him down. His fragile left wrist appears to be stronger. His wife Pinky and their three children are solidly behind him. So is his ageless father Angel. A new breed of bowlers has emerged out of Paeng’s shadow and he couldn’t be happier. Paeng isn’t only challenged but he’s also inspiring the new kids on the block to outdo themselves. Paeng’s been in the US with his son and hasn’t bowled competitively in months. Whether or not he decides to continue bowling, his place in history as the country’s greatest athlete ever is guaranteed.

Uncrowned world featherweight boxing champion Manny Pacquiao–To invest his ring earnings wisely and become Asia’s first-ever fighter to capture world titles in three different divisions. Pacquiao’s in line to earn his first $1 Million purse. He plans to retire a wealthy man when he turns 30–that’s five years from now. Pacquiao should learn from Flash Elorde who quit the ring with more wealth than he could imagine. He shouldn’t give in to temptations of living lavishly, spending foolishly, and sheltering hundreds of hangers-on. A fighter’s career isn’t a forever thing. Pacquiao must know how to take care of himself in and outside of the ring.

First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo–To be rid of fantasy post-dated checks signed by Jose Pidal. Attorney Mike deserves a fair shake. First Gentleman Foundation executive director Rod Nepomuceno said the Chief Executive’s husband couldn’t care less for media mileage and his intentions to help out Filipino athletes are sincere. In fact, Nepomuceno said the First Gentleman has come to the rescue of a lot of athletes, without media fanfare. He raised about P30 Million from the FG Golf Cup last May and P22.3 Million from the private sector in a pledging session at Malacanang before the SEA Games. Arroyo realizes funding is essential in spinning the wheels of sports development. Nepomuceno said Attorney Mike’s just doing his bit for Philippine sports.

Happy New Year to one and all.