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

DATE: THURSDAY, March 22, 1990                   TAG: 9003232279
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: E-11   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: BOB McLELLAND CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SANDLOT BOWL GROWS

The annual Sandlot Football Super Bowl will expand from two divisions into three, a recreation official recently told members of the Youth Sports Committee of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The plan, which will take effect with this year's event, was announced by Charlie Hammersley, director of parks and recreation for the city of Salem. Hammersley was chairman of a committee that included Ruth Wilkerson of Roanoke, Ken Myers of Botetourt, Andy Dooley of Bedford County, Bob Guthrie of Roanoke County and Rudy Hann of Salem.

According to the new format, Division I American will include the top two teams from the Roanoke leagues and the top two from the combined Bedford and Roanoke County leagues.

Division I National will include the third and fourth teams from Roanoke and Bedford and Roanoke counties.

Division II will include the top four teams from the Roanoke Valley League of teams from Salem, Botetourt County and Glenvar.

Hammersley said there was a possibility that Division II also might extend an invitation to teams in Montgomery County and Pulaski to compete in the playoffs.

Jim Carroll, chairman of the Youth Sports Committee, said "the new format will truly make the Super Bowl a regional event. There will be more teams competing in the Super Bowl and, for the first time, all teams will be competing against teams that have identical playing rules as to age and weight.

"We, at the chamber, have been pleased with past Super Bowls, but we are looking forward to future events being even more successful in regards to financial rewards and to overall participation."

The committee also distributed profits, totaling $5,551, from last year's Super Bowl. The sum was shared by the competing localities, according to the number of teams participating during the regular season.

The city of Roanoke had 24 teams and was given $2,614. Salem and Roanoke County had 10 teams each and received $1,088. Botetourt County had 7 teams and was given $760.

The localities will use the funds to provide equipment and other necessities for their respective football programs.

Carroll also presented Hammersley with a plaque recognizing him for his special efforts in past Super Bowls.

by CNB