****************************
FRIDAY'S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS
****************************

BASEBALL
--------

Houston Astros -- Announced that assistant general manager Tim
Purpura will oversee the club's minor league operations
effective immediately.

Minnesota Twins -- Promoted John Russell to manage the New
Britain Rock Cats in the Eastern League (AA); promoted Mike
Boulanger to manage the Fort Myers Miracle in the Florida State
League (A) and named Jose Marazan manager of the Fort Wayne
Wizards of the Midwest League (A).

Salt Lake Buzz (Pacific Coast League/AAA) -- Named Phil Roof
manager, Rick Anderson pitching coach, Bill Springman bench
coach, Al Newman bench coach and Rick McWane trainer for the
1998 seaoson.

Rochester Red Wings (International League/AAA) -- Announced that
Chuck Hinkel has been named director of public relations;
announed that former director of public relations Joe Castellano
will remain with the team as director of broadcasting and
play-by-play announcer.


BASKETBALL
----------

Connecticut Pride (CBA) -- Signed guard James Martin.  Acquired
forward LaZelle Durden from Rockford for a conditional 1998
fifth round draft pick.

Omaha Racers (CBA) -- Renounced their inactive status and ceased
operations in the Continental Basketball Association.


FOOTBALL
--------

Denver Broncos -- Named Tom Ramsey director of corporate sales
and Michael Young director of corporate relations.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL) -- Signed defensive lineman Pat
McNerney.


HOCKEY
------

Colorado Avalanche -- Assigned defenseman Wade Belak to Hershey
of the American Hockey League; signed right wing Jeff Odgers.

Edmonton Oilers -- Recalled defenseman Craig Millar from
Hamilton of the American Hockey League.

San Jose Sharks -- Recalled left wing Steve Guolla and center
Jarrod Skalde from Kentucky of the American Hockey League.

Washington Capitals -- Placed center Michal Pivonka and right
wing Jarsolav Sjevkovsky on the injured reserve list and
recalled forward Ryan Mulhern from Portland of the American
Hockey League.

Syracuse Crunch (AHL) -- Released defenseman Drew Palmer.

Birmingham Bulls (ECHL) -- Added center David Bourque and
defenseman Dan Jablonic to the roster.

Charlotte Checkers (ECHL) -- Traded forward Matt Van Horlick to
Wheeling for future considerations; activated center Brad
Gratton from injured reserve; placed center Bill McCauley on the
seven-day injured reserve list and added right wing David
Brosseau from Hartford of the American Hockey League.

Chesapeake Icebreakers (ECHL) -- Added right wing Justin
Cardwell and defenseman Leitner Jurgen to the roster; waived
defensemen Lars Boggren and forwards Scott Steeves and Jim
Walsh.

Dayton Bombers (ECHL) -- Added right wing Jeff Geis to the
roster and placed right wing Steve Roberts on the seven-day
injured reserve list.

Louisiana IceGators (ECHL) -- Acquired defenseman Chad Nelson
from Charlotte for future considerations; activated right wing
Jason McQuat from the seven-day injured reserve list.

Louisville Riverfrogs (ECHL) -- Added defenseman Craig Nelson to
the roster; moved goaltender Sandy Allan from the seven-day to
the 14-day injured reserve list and placed right wing Rob Frid
on the seven-day injured reserve list.

New Orleans Brass (ECHL) -- Added forward Pierre Gendron to the
roster from Hamilton of the American Hockey League; added
defenseman Mike Rusk and placed defenseman Jason Downey on the
seven-day injured reserve list.

Pee Dee Pride (ECHL) -- Added forwards Eric Royal and Scott
Green to the roster; waived forward Brady Blain.

Raleigh IceCaps (ECHL) -- Added defenseman Alexandre Laporte and
forward Brian Secord to the roster; waived defenseman Brian Holk
and goaltender Nolan McDonald.

Cleveland Lumberjacks (IHL) -- Recalled defensemen Rob Dumas
from Idaho of the West Coast Hockey League.

Utah Grizzlies (IHL) -- Recalled right wing Geoff Bumstead from
Reno of the West Coast Hockey League.

West Coast Hockey League -- Suspended Idaho defensemen Todd
Dougherty for 10 games.

Phoenix Mustangs (WCHL) -- Signed defenseman Jason MacIntyre.

Reno Rage (WCHL) -- Signed defenseman Ken Plaquin.

San Diego Gulls (WCHL) -- Signed center Len Hachborn and right
wings Sandy Gasseau and Chad Wagner.

Tucson Gila Monsters (WCHL) -- Signed right wing Magnus Eliasson
and moved defenseman Patrick Moreau to the 14-day injured list.

Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) -- Acquired defenseman Randall Dyck
from Swift Current.


COLLEGE
-------

Michigan -- Named Brian Ellerbe interim basketball coach for the
1997-98 season.

Texas -- Dismissed cornerback Anton Hector from the football
team for violation of team rules.

Texas-Pan American -- Announced Gary Gallup has resigned as
Athletic Director.