Posted on: Wednesday, October 6, 2004

Vegas trip will be great respite for ailing winner

Advertiser Staff

Clarence Maruyama calls it a feel-good win.

After battling health problems recently, the 76-year-old retiree from Palolo had a change of luck this week as the Pigskin Picks winner.

"Anytime you win something and there's a prize involved, you've got to feel good," said Maruyama, who became the second Pigskin Picks winner with a perfect ballot this year. "I haven't been feeling so good for the last six or seven months. I told my wife (Phyllis), maybe we should take a trip."

Maruyama correctly picked 15 of 15 college and NFL football games. Maruyama's ballot was randomly selected from several other entries with perfect ballots.

Maruyama credited his grandson, Scott Akiyama, for helping him select teams. Both men study football statistics and consult with each other on making selections.

"You've got to be lucky," Maruyama said. "Fifteen out of 15 is not that easy."

The Maruyamas win a trip for two to Las Vegas from Worry-Free Vacations and Non-Stop Travel and the Golden Nugget Hotel, and $500 from The Advertiser. They are also entered to win a year-end prize of a free use of a Hyundai Tucson for a year, courtesy of Tony Hyundai.

Maruyama claimed his first Pigskin Picks win after playing the contest "off and on" for a couple of years. He entered one ballot last week.

"I'm surprised," Maruyama said. "I never did win anything like this on a giveaway."

The Maruyamas, who are both retired and have been married for 54 years, stopped traveling to Las Vegas some years ago after Clarence got sick, according to Phyllis Maruyama. Now, Phyllis cares for her husband and their family. She believed the trip would be a good diversion for the both of them.

"My grandson said take the trip and get away from the family for a little while," Phyllis Maruyama said. "We can just relax when we go up there. I guess that's what we're going to try and do."