CONTENTS

On the Beam in Texas 24
Russians Nelli Kim and Aleksandr Ditiatin won the world gymnastics titles, but our Kurt Thomas was a sensation
by Kent Hannon and Bob Ottum

His Future Is Up in the Air 30
It's too early to tell for sure, but Ralph Sampson, Virginia's 7'4" freshman center, could someday rule college basketball
by Larry Keith

The Boo Birds Return to New York 32
The Big Apple went bonkers over its two hockey teams last season, but now Bronx cheers are ringing from the rafters
by E. M. Swift

Where To Draw the Line 38
When yacht designer Ron Holland wields a pencil, the marks he makes ofttimes become a champion boat
by Selwyn Parker

Dispensers of Love and Liniment 51
Banker, shrink, mother, father, travel agent—that's your typical NBA trainer, whose many duties also include taping ankles
by John Papanek

Now Joe Must Carry the Flag 84
Auto racing is in the Ruttmans' blood. Troy won Indy, J.R. looked as if he would, and now at 35 it's Joe's turn
by Frank Deford

The Departments

Scorecard 21
TV Radio 61
College Basketball 62
Pro Football 71
Special Report 75
Soccer 80
For the Record 105
19th Hole 106

Cover photograph by Manny Millan

Credits on page 105

Next Week

The year-end double issue tells who the Sportsman of the Year is; predicts whether Ohio State or USC will win the granddaddy of them all and previews the other major bowls, too; captures the splendor of ballooning in sumptuous photographs; samples the spirit of winters past in a photo essay on harness racing on ice; and revisits a memorable Yuletide in Wales during which four lads set out to hook a pike of prodigious proportions. Plus our annual bridge quiz and regular departments.