To be honest I don't remember how we got into the idea of running, but it probable started with the fact that I was on both the cross country and winter track teams. I probable initiated the wheels turning with taunting him about how I was faster than him and I could beat him in a race. However the initial seed got planted, it did. Plans were discussed to have the event in 1991 to coincide with our birthdays. We both thought this was a good idea because they were benchmark events me turning 18 and him turning 40, Then the plans were set sometime after his birthday (July), we would meet for what would be the 1st Leg of The Contursi Relays (The Passing Of the Torch).

So now the day was set but before all this could take place we had to set some ground rules. The race was to be on Saturday and was to start at 9:00 a.m. sharp regardless of the weather. We both agreed and now we only had to figure out where it would take place. We decided upon the track at F.D.R. High School in Hyde Park, N.Y. Now that we had the where, and when, I had sometime to plan out the event. I went to work and came up with racing numbers, a medal for the event, and contacted family members to come and witness the possible demise of my uncle to his better looking and youthful nephew.

The day came and it was a gloomy morning, with a slight mist of rain, but as stated we were to compete no matter what the weather. The drama started even before the competitors reached the starting line as my excitement about the event almost got the better of me. As the other part of the rule it stipulated we were to began at 9:00 a.m. no exceptions. I, being excited the night before set my alarm for 8:00 p.m. rather than 8:00 a.m. My father who was trying to be impartial didn't wake me up 'til like 8:45 a.m. to inform me what I had done. I knowing the agreement I had made about the event became frantic. I grabbed my clothes, all the stuff I had prepared for the event and b-lined it to the track in hopes that I would arrive before the deadline. As I pulled into F.D.R. at 5 minutes to 9 I realized that I had made it. Much to the dismay of my uncle his thoughts of an easy win were extinguished and the realization to the fact he would really have to run took hold. Also, my preparation for the event proved to be worth while as we had my relatives and friends show up and witness this momentous event. So thanks to my dad my humiliation for over sleeping was avoided and helped add to the suspense of the day.

After some brief warming up and stretching we were ready to Get It On. My game plan was to take the first lap and just stay with my uncle to try and feel him out. We then were set and awaiting the voice of our cousin to begin. Exactly at 9 a.m. the race was started and like I had planned I

paced myself right behind my uncles shoulder. I thought that he had a pretty good start and was running a pretty good pace, but I was only running at about 50%, so unless he was doing the same to me I thought I was in pretty good shape. We finished the first lap and everyone began to cheer on my uncle for leading the first lap. This fueled the fire and from that point on I turned on, blowing by him and never looking back. This worked to my advantage because I unexpectedly was taunting my uncle and when I blew by him he realized just what he was in for.

By the third lap I managed to get a pretty sizable lead on my uncle (about half a lap) and my uncle began to realize his demise. It was at this point that he decided that to salvage any of his dignity, he would have to succumb to cheating. His plan was to cut through the track and wait for me behind a telephone poll. Here he would wait until I was coming down the home stretch and beat me.

So, that's what he did and with about 150m left in the race my uncle darted out in front of me about 25m ahead. I believe his thinking was that by beating me even unfairly he would at least be able to deflect some of the harassment he would've received if he had lost. I seeing what had transpired wasn't going to allow this to happen, I was going to beat him fair and square and retain the gloating rights for years to come. I ran that last 150m like roadrunner trying to elude Wild E. Coyote. As we approach the last 10m of the race I managed to cut all of distance between us and we were neck and neck. It was a close finish, but in those 10m I was able to pull it out and beat my Uncle fair and square.

After the race we immediately collapsed in the field of the track winded and exhausted we regained our strength as cousin Sal Legname, rushed to the aid of Tom with wheelchair in hand. I elated that I had finally beat my uncle and had secured bragging rights, quickly recovered and began the sarcastic bashing of my uncle. After, receiving oxygen and being medically cleared by paramedics that were on stand by, we took pictures and the presentation of the The inaugural Contursi Relay Medal was presented to Me "The Kid" Contursi, while "The Elder" Tom Contursi stood by taking his medicine.,

You probable thought that would be the end in the story, but not so. After my uncles defeat in the mile, he began turning the tables and taunting me with fact that the reason he lost the mile race was because he wasn't a long distance runner but a short distance runner. Realizing that I would never be able to fully enjoy my accomplishment, without putting all doubts of my running ability to rest I agreed that I would race him in a 100m dash. Like the mile run I would race my uncle to coincide with my 18th birthday (September) and put all doubts to bed. The day came and the place for the event would be in front of our house. Me and my sister Amy took care of all the arrangements, we marked out the site and setup a streamer for the finish line. We even did it at a party that my mom was having for my birthday, so relatives and friends were there to watch the event unfold. The only thing I really remember was being really nervous. The reason for this was because I had a clear advantage at the mile run because I train for that while on track and cross country, but as for sprints I've always been on the slower side. I knew that my uncle had the advantage and I didn't think I would win, but I would give it my best shot. So, with everyone watching we got in our racing positions and awaited the start. When we were given the word we both came out of the blocks rather good and at first my uncle at a slight lead on me. I thought I was doomed, but I just said to myself to dig in and hopefully I could catch him as the finish quickly approached. My uncle, on the other hand began to show signs of his age has his speed began to labor. It was here that I was able to capitalize on and edge my way to victory. Again, proving that youth and beauty prevail against age, and putting all bragging rights in the hands of the undisputed champion Justin (The Kid) Contursi.