SPORTS WRAP
BY WILLIAM HATHAWAY, JR.
PHOTOS BY FELICIA LAGUERRE OWENS
This past week, the city of Orange along with the Jill E. Harrington Hanzalik (JEHH) Memorial Fund held an unveiling ceremony was held at Metcalf Park for the dedication of their partnered new basketball courts. Orange Public Works Director Marty Mayes opened the ceremony where he thanked everyone involved.
The project had two donors, one of which was gran funds the city used, and the other source was the Hanzalik Memorial Fund. Adam Harrington, a former NBA player with the Mavericks and Nuggets (not to be confused with Al Harrington, who is from Orange and also played for the Nuggets) was a major donor for this project along with his organization.
Harrington, who is an Orange business owner, said, “We are thankful and so happy to do this in a partnership.”
Orange South Ward Councilwoman Jamie Summers Johnson said, “It’s a great feeling. I’m excited in being here at this event.”
In addition to the ceremony, the courts were properly christened with a basketball game. In a contest that featured some elementary league players, the Orange All-Stars beat the East Orange Elite 27-21.
The annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest took place on Coney Island. It looked like some bad weather affected the competition. Miki Sudo won her ninth consecutive women’s division crown by downing 39.5 hot dogs and buns, while Joey Chestnut added a 16th Mustard Belt to his collection. The men’s draw was delayed by stormy weather, which might have had an effect on the eaters, especially Chestnut, as he only handled 62 hot dogs and buns compared to 76 last year.
Finally, several on-air employees were let go from ESPN in a cost cutting move. Those leaving the network include Jalen Rose, Jeff Van Gundy, Max Kellerman, Suzy Kolber, and Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young.
