Historic area football season tops the year's story list

West Side's Lonnie Johnson throws up a "W" for the win as he long jump at the state meet with a jump of 23 feet, 6 inches. The Cougars won their first team title since 1980 and Gary's 45th overall.

It didn't take long for a reality check to slap Ulysses "Junior" Bridgeman and Roland Parrish upside the head.

This painting of Hammond grad Roland Parrish was done by Dallas artist Christopher Rayson to celebrate Parrish's 25 years as a McDonald's franchisee. It now hangs in his office.

Roland Parrish, 1971 Hammond High grad and former track standout

Hammond High grad Roland Parrish speaking at the 2007 National Black McDonald's Owners Association Conference in Detroit.

Baseball

Kayla York looked out the window on Sept. 21 and thought she saw some clouds in the distance. But being at the University of Wyoming, what she was looking at were mountains.

There is room for others on the big stage. That's what makes sports so appealing. It's not a snooty, private club with VIP parking only.

From left, Rudy Chapa, Tim Keough and Carey Pinkowski were the No. 1, the No. 2 and No. 4 high school 2-milers in the nation, respectively, in 1975.