Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, June 20, 1993                   TAG: 9306200172
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: C-13   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

ORIGINAL EXPRESS NOT LOSERS IN YOUR LEAD SPORTS STORY JUNE 2, "ROANOKE EXPRES

As "ill-fated" as the team was, according to King, the Express was no loser. The organization ran out of funds and ran into problems beyond its capacity to solve. It closed the books and paid off its debts.

I was president of the club. I'm sensitive to how sportswriter King demeaned the unselfish effort of many Roanokers to bring minor-league football to the valley 10 years ago. When did you, Randy King, ever put yourself on the line to do something strictly for your community or for a sport?

I'll always remember the business leaders who gave their time and donated money to keep the original Express going. Whether the club lasted five games or five seasons doesn't matter.

The new hockey franchise has chosen a winning name. I hope they perform well and are proud of their achievements (even the little ones), despite what sportswriters say about them. DAVID BARUDIN PRESIDENT, ROANOKE VALLEY FOOTBALL EXPRESS (DEFUNCT)