COLTS WIVES HOPE TO HEAR HOOVES POUND FOR CAUSE

October 24, 2004
Susan Guyett / For The Star

Karen Saturday and Amani Pollard might not look like co-captains of a powerful NFL-related team, but they are.

As National Football League wives across the country unite to honor the memory of former Arizona Cardinal Pat Tillman, the women of the Indianapolis Colts have pulled together like never before.

Tillman left a promising football career with the Cardinals to serve as an Army Ranger and was killed in combat in Afghanistan on April 22. A foundation in his name was established after he died.

The NFL women are out to show some muscle for this good cause.

Pollard is married to Colts tight end Marcus Pollard, and Saturday is married to Colts center JeffSaturday. They are working with members of the Indianapolis Colts Women's Organization to recruit runners and walkers for the "Race for Pat" on Nov. 6 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

"Every Sunday, the fans faithfully support our husbands. We're hoping they will support us at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway," Saturday said.

Karen Saturday (left) and Amani Pollard hope Colts fans join in a race to honor NFL player Pat Tillman, who died in combat. -- Susan Guyett / For The Star

Besides being for a good cause, the event will be a chance to turn the tables on the Colts. It will be the players' turn to cheer for someone else for a change. The players that attend the 4-kilometer (21/2-mile) event will be on the sidelines, giving words of support, Pollard said.

The day is planned as a fun, family romp, Saturday said. Children of all ages, babies in strollers and adult casual walkers are invited to take part.

Registration will start at 12:30 p.m. at the Speedway, and the $25 entry fee includes a race T-shirt. Early registration is available at today's Colts game at tables on the lower level of the RCA Dome or at any Huntington Bank branch.

Corporate sponsors are needed, as well. More information is available by calling (317) 237-2513.

Gardocki's the force behind fund-raiser

Former Indianapolis resident Sally Gardocki is being credited with being the organizing force that pulled together NFL wives around the country in support of the Tillman Foundation.

Remember her? Just chatting with that Southern belle is a reminder of the breath of fresh air she was to the city and to football when her husband, Chris, was a punter for the Indianapolis Colts.

Local fans still e-mail her on a regular basis even though her husband now plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

After 14 years with the NFL, she'd developed a wide network of friends around the country. Gardocki said she knew team wives and girlfriends would want to get involved with the Tillman tribute.

She was right. At this point, just about every team is signed up for some project, and some teams have even offered to match whatever the wives raise.

Here's a Gardocki family update: Chris and Sally's son, Cole, who was born in Indianapolis, is 8 years old and in the third grade. His mother is very grateful that baseball is his favorite sport. "I don't want him to play football," she said cheerfully.

"I miss all the people in Indianapolis. Every chance I get I tell people it was my favorite place," she said.