They Said It

? Esa Tikkanen, Finland's top marathoner, asked why his country has produced so many standout distance runners: "Because back home it costs $2.40 a gallon for gas."

? Bill Fitch, new Boston Celtics coach, on his experience as coach of the expansion Cleveland Cavaliers: "I once said coaching a first-year team was a religious experience. You do a lot of praying, but most of the time the answer is no."