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Soccer legends at Allen library on Saturday
By J. David Barron, dbarron@starlocalnews.com
Tatu thinks he is going to be reading. Sagu knows he is going to be talking. Anyone in attendance at 2 p.m., Saturday at the Allen Public Library will no doubt be listening.
Tatu and Sagu, two of the most popular soccer players to ever take the pitch in Texas, will be featured guests to an expected audience of at least several dozen. Attendees will be treated to tales of the players' exciting careers, complete with their strategies for victory during the challenges they each faced. In addition, Tatu expects to be able to read to students in the audience.
Tatu is a minority owner as well as coach and general manager of the Sidekicks. When he left the pitch as a player, he was the all-time leading scorer in Dallas Sidekicks history and led the franchise to four championships. During his playing career, Tatu was known for his flamboyance, which included his signature move of tossing his jersey into the crowd following each of his goals.
As much as Tatu was admired for his athletic accomplishments, he has become almost revered for his continuing community involvement. Such universal respect landed him the honor of serving as a torch bearer when the Olympic Torch came through the area for the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.
Tatu, whose name means "Armadillo" in Portuguese, was born Antonio Carlos Pecorari. He says reading is very important.
"We don't do enough [reading]. I think you exercise your brain every time you read, and that's the main reason we're going to be there," he said. "I'm looking forward to meeting the kids and answering their questions."
Sagu capped a five-year stint in Dallas with eight seasons in Baltimore as an all-star goalkeeper. He was awarded all-league accord seven of those seasons and won Goalkeeper of the Year an astounding five times. Back in Dallas, he expects to be here awhile.
"Goalkeepers are like fine wine - they get better with age," he said. "But now that I am in the later stages of my playing career, I want to give something back to the younger generation."
The program will be moderated by Robert Trammell, a sports broadcaster who is also the public relations director for the Sidekicks.
The Allen Public Library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. For information, call 214-509-4911.
Tatu and Sagu, two of the most popular soccer players to ever take the pitch in Texas, will be featured guests to an expected audience of at least several dozen. Attendees will be treated to tales of the players' exciting careers, complete with their strategies for victory during the challenges they each faced. In addition, Tatu expects to be able to read to students in the audience.
Tatu is a minority owner as well as coach and general manager of the Sidekicks. When he left the pitch as a player, he was the all-time leading scorer in Dallas Sidekicks history and led the franchise to four championships. During his playing career, Tatu was known for his flamboyance, which included his signature move of tossing his jersey into the crowd following each of his goals.
As much as Tatu was admired for his athletic accomplishments, he has become almost revered for his continuing community involvement. Such universal respect landed him the honor of serving as a torch bearer when the Olympic Torch came through the area for the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.
Tatu, whose name means "Armadillo" in Portuguese, was born Antonio Carlos Pecorari. He says reading is very important.
"We don't do enough [reading]. I think you exercise your brain every time you read, and that's the main reason we're going to be there," he said. "I'm looking forward to meeting the kids and answering their questions."
Sagu capped a five-year stint in Dallas with eight seasons in Baltimore as an all-star goalkeeper. He was awarded all-league accord seven of those seasons and won Goalkeeper of the Year an astounding five times. Back in Dallas, he expects to be here awhile.
"Goalkeepers are like fine wine - they get better with age," he said. "But now that I am in the later stages of my playing career, I want to give something back to the younger generation."
The program will be moderated by Robert Trammell, a sports broadcaster who is also the public relations director for the Sidekicks.
The Allen Public Library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. For information, call 214-509-4911.
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