1.   Another athlete said he looked as if he shopped at a swap meet.

2.   As athletes say, Van de Velde was in the zone, and almost everything he did turned out right.

3.   At Clement Park this week, high school athletes said they were sure their school was no different from any other in the country.

4.   Athletes say they spend most of their time in the restricted areas.

5.   Athletes say they want to be in the zone.

6.   Athletes say to stay in school, but they are so devoid of politics, they are voiceless minstrels as schools rot.

7.   But a more common problem, extreme athletes say, is the negative stereotypes perpetuated about them.

8.   But athletes say living in the Village has been nothing less than luxurious.

9.   Celebrating that first championship is always the most blissful and the most difficult, athletes say.

10.   Despite the monetary hurdles, the athletes say they manage to travel and play in every regional or national competition.