ADVISORY/City and School District to Recognize NFL Great Ron Yary by Renaming Stadium, Street in His Honor.

City Desks & Sports/Assignment Editors

ADVISORY...for Friday (Oct. 26)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

 2001 Hall of Fame Inductee and Vikings' All-Pro Lineman to Speak at
Fundraiser Benefiting Bellflower Student Athletes, Visit Local Schools
                 and Attend Halftime Homecoming Event

       Friday, Oct. 26, at Bellflower High School in Bellflower

The City of Bellflower and the Bellflower Unified School District will honor Hall-of-Fame lineman Ron Yary at a special fundraising dinner, followed by a presentation during halftime festivities at the Bellflower High School Homecoming Game on Friday, Oct. 26, 2001.

The Bellflower City Council will rename a street after Yary, a native of Bellflower who attended Bellflower High School before earning All-American honors at USC, and playing 15 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and one season with the Los Angeles Rams. City Council members will present Yary with a street sign designating Hayford Street in Bellflower as Ron Yary Way.

In addition, members of the Bellflower Unified School District will rename the high school's sports stadium Ron Yary Stadium and retire Yary's high school jersey and number (No. 23) during halftime of the Bellflower High vs. John Glenn High football game.

"We're proud to recognize Ron Yary for his commitment to success both on and off the field," said Bellflower Mayor Ray Smith. "His achievements as a professional football player and his ongoing contribution to community service and volunteer organizations offer inspiration to people of all ages and walks of life."

Yary also will serve as Grand Marshall for the Homecoming Parade following visits to local Bellflower schools where he will address students about his career in sports, the importance of education, and the value of "giving back" to one's community.

"Ron is such a great role model for young people," said Harold Carman, president, BUSD Board of Education. "He's a great guy who set high goals for himself, worked hard, believed in his dreams and reached the top of his profession. He personifies the American dream."

Yary graduated from Bellflower High School in 1964. After two years at Cerritos College, the 6'5" 250-pound offensive and defensive lineman played for the University of Southern California, earning All-America honors both his junior and senior seasons, and becoming the first player in USC history to win the Outland Trophy.

In 1968, Yary was the first player selected in the NFL draft -- by the Minnesota Vikings, where he spent 15 seasons, earning All-Pro honors six times and Pro Bowl selection seven times. He also played in four Super Bowls. Yary concluded his football career in Los Angeles with the Rams. He was inducted into the National Football League Hall of Fame in 2001.

For detailed information about the dedication ceremony, or for more about Ron Yary's exceptional career in football, contact the City of Bellflower Public Information Office at 562/804-1424, ext. 2278.

              Ron Yary Dedication Ceremony in Bellflower

WHO:        Ron Yary
            NFL Hall of Fame Player

            Elected Officials, School Administrators, Students, Fans

WHAT:       Renaming of Street and Stadium in Bellflower
            Fundraiser Dinner to Benefit Bellflower Student Athletes
            Homecoming Parade
            Visits to Bellflower Schools

WHEN:       Friday, Oct. 26

            Visits to Schools: 2 p.m.
            Homecoming Parade: 4:30 p.m.
            Fundraiser Dinner: 5:30 p.m.
            Halftime Dedication: 7:30 p.m.

WHERE:      City of Bellflower
            Bellflower High School
            15301 S. McNab Avenue

CONTACT:    Jeff Hobbs
            Public Information Manager
            Phone: [phone]
            Cell: 818/606-1103

ON THE WEB: www.bellflower.org