by Ben Walker
Associated Press Writer

MIAMI (AP)—Marshall Faulk ran as far as he could from the dead-end Desire Projects. He bolted the New Orleans streets to play college ball in San Diego, then blossomed into an NFL star with the Indianapolis Colts.

Forced to take sides in this Super Bowl, it was easy. Faulk rooted for his roots.

From President Barack Obama to a Queen, from Mr. Big to Miss America, the retired All-Pro had lots of company. For one game, the Saints were America’s Team—champions too, after a 31-17 win over the Colts on Sunday night.

CHAMPIONS AT LAST—New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush lifts the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Saints’ 31-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL Super Bowl XLIV football game in Miami, Sunday, Feb. 7.

Perry continues to shock its opponents with another last-second victory, most recently at home over Allderdice Jan. 29 to stay undefeated in City League play.

Two foul shots by Perry’s Daryl Harrington with five seconds left was the difference and helped the Commodores to a 59-58 victory.

“I wasn’t nervous,” said Harrington. “I’d been in the same predicament in the past, but I didn’t have the same results. I was determined that this time and times in the future would turn out differently.”

MR. CLUTCH— Daryl Harrington hit two free throws with five seconds left to give Perry a 59-58 win over Allderdice Jan. 29. Harrington led Perry in scoring with 23 points as the Commodores remained undefeated in City League play.

Harrington finished with a game-high 23 points. He also hit  9 consecutive shots from the line, only missing on his very first attempt. James Bulls helped out things with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Greg McGhee also came through for Perry with 12 points.

As I sat marooned by almost as much snow that fell upon Pittsburgh during the blizzard of ‘93, I was certainly not “grooving last Saturday afternoon.” I have come to the realization that in spite of the fact that Barack Obama and first lady Michelle currently occupy the big house, oops I meant White House, my vision is still a tad blurry as I began to calculate the gains that African-Americans have made over the past five decades. The present and the future became clearer and though it may not be what I want it to be, nonetheless, it is what it is. I instantly became humbled and I consider it as one of my many blessings to be a part of the sports writing and reporting lineage of the New Pittsburgh Courier, especially during this, our centennial year.

by Dennis Passa
Associated Press Writer

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP)—Serena Williams won her second straight Australian Open championship, ending Justine Henin’s hopes of a Grand Slam title in her return from retirement with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 victory Jan. 30.

Williams withstood a determined challenge from Henin before securing her fifth Australian Open title overall and 12th Grand Slam singles championship overall, tying Billie Jean King.

EXCLAMATION POINT—Serena Williams reacts to a point won against Justine Henin of Belgium, during the Women’s Singles finals at the Australian Open in Melbourne.