Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008

Agostini: Reading time, two minutes

Reading time, two minutes:

Modesto's gold medal collection, updated list: Cy Young, javelin (1952); Tisha Venturini, soccer (1996); and Erin Cafaro, rowing, women's eight (2008).

Yes, Cafaro and her mates join the Chinese in their eternal admiration over the number 8.

Didn't Michael Phelps win eight gold medals? I'm starting to believe.

Modesto High points out, with distinct pride, that Young and Cafaro are graduates.

Venturini? Grace Davis.

You might remember Cal's reserve defensive end and special teams regular four years ago: J.D. Cafaro, Erin's brother.

Cafaro and her team will stay in Beijing for the Closing Ceremony. Modesto plans to honor her with a community celebration on Sept. 3 at Mancini Bowl.

Strange: A valley resident wins discus gold, and it's not three-time Olympian Suzy Powell (Stephanie Brown Trafton, Galt).

The late California Invitational Relays boss Tom Moore would have been shocked over the Americans coming home without gold in the sprints.

The red, white and blue regained men's basketball dominance by committing to the project. USA Track and Field might try the same idea in the relays.

Jamaica's Usain Bolt, 6-foot-5, just reinvented world-class speed. The man runs 33 mph!

They won't get much attention after Michael Phelps, but the gold by Bryan Clay in the decathlon and silver by Hyleas Fountain in the heptathlon were major feats.

To American goalie Hope Solo: You were right from Day 1. I'm sure your teammates like that gold medal you put around their necks.

J.T. O'Sullivan will be the 49ers' starting quarterback. Like the Chinese say, your luck changes on your eighth team.

Alicia Sacramone can tell her grandchildren: I lost an Olympic bronze medal to a girl who landed her vault on her knees.

Oregon stresses and so does Hilmar: Quarterback Nate Costa, injured left knee. Again.

News from UC Davis: Reggie Mason (Modesto High) is the probable starter at right tackle, and rehabbed Brad Bispo (Downey) should get playing time at tight end.

And at Stanford: Defensive end Levirt Griffin (Modesto High) won't start but will be in the rotation.

Rejoice, prep fans: High school football teams put on pads next week.

Kevin Riley has won the QB job at Cal while fans mutter, "What took so long?"

Lost in the Olympic headlines and the rest of the sports glut: Bay Meadows closed for good last weekend.

The Americans' stunning loss in the Olympic softball final might be the reason the sport is reinstated in eight years.

When NFL players come home to shiny cars and gorgeous homes, they can thank the late Gene Upshaw.

Can't write any more about Upshaw without listing his fellow Raider linemen: Art Shell, Dave Dalby, George Buehler and John Vella.

About the Bengals' Chad Johnson saying he can beat Michael Phelps: While he's at it, why not challenge Bolt?

Question: Did the U.S.A. send a boxing team to Beijing?

Our suggested title to Phelps' new book: "How I Scored A Date With Amanda Beard."

Three gold medals for one city in 56 years, and two in the last 12? Go ahead and celebrate.

Bee sports columnist Ron Agostini can be reached at ragostini@modbee.com or 578-2302.