TOLEDO'S OLYMPIC CONNECTIONS

8/11/2004

Athletes with Toledo ties who will compete in Athens:

●Scott Parsons, 25. A 1997 graduate of St. John's Jesuit High School, Parsons is the two-time defending U.S. champion in kayaking. One of the two American athletes competing in the K-1 whitewater competition, he finished fifth in the World Cup race held on the Olympic site earlier this year. His parents, Bill and Mary, live in Sylvania.

●Sloan DuRoss, 27. A native of South Portland, Me., DuRoss is a member of the U.S. rowing team, participating in the men's quadruple sculls (Mx4) competition. His father and step-mother, David and Marilyn, live in Westmoreland near the University of Toledo.

●Devin Vargas, 22. A Start High School graduate, Vargas is the heayweight representative on the U.S. boxing team. Vargas, 6-3, 201 pounds, is one of 16 heavyweight boxers from around the world who will be competing in Athens. He qualified for the team earlier this year in the America's Olympic Qualifier.

●Mud Hens Danny Klassen and Adrian Burnside will play baseball for Canada and Australia, respectively.