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.