ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Tuesday, December 24, 1996             TAG: 9612240092
SECTION: SPORTS                   PAGE: B1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: NHAT MEYER STAFF 

RIDING HIGH

LENGTH: Short :   18 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:      Timesland's defensive player of the year, Jeff Akers
          (88), waves to fans along the parade route in Salem on Monday night 
          as teammate Mike Conlan (63) videotapes the crowd. The Spartans were
          taking part in a parade to honor their Group AA Division 4 football 
          championship.