Posted on: Wednesday, December 22, 2004

PIGSKIN PICKS
Pigskin win good way to celebrate birthday

Advertiser Staff

P.J. Adaro of Wahiawa received a memorable birthday present this week with his first Pigskin Picks victory.

"I told my wife (Francisca) this morning, the tears are coming out," Adaro said. "It's from joy."

Adaro, who turns 79 today, correctly picked 13 out of 14 NFL games last week. His only miss was selecting the Tennessee Titans to defeat the Oakland Raiders. Adaro's ballot was randomly selected from several ballots that had one incorrect.

"This surprised me on my birthday," Adaro said. "This is a big thrill for me."

Adaro, who is a retired federal firefighter, said he entered one ballot last week, after many unsuccessful attempts where he entered three ballots.

"I said (three ballots) is too much," Adaro said. "I never came close. I only turn in one now. It worked out for me."

Adaro said he employs no elaborate strategy when making his selections.

"There's no strategy at all," Adaro said. "I just read the paper. I check who won the previous week. Sometimes it doesn't work out. Since I'm retired, I got more time than money. You've got to get lucky."

As the Pigskin Picks winner, Adaro wins a trip for two to Las Vegas from Worry-Free Vacations, Non-Stop Travel and the Golden Nugget Hotel, and $500 from The Advertiser.

He also is entered to win a year-end prize of free use of a Hyundai Tucson for a year, courtesy of Tony Hyundai.

Adaro said he visited Las Vegas five times last year. He's scheduled to go again in February for the Super Bowl.