Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 15 February 2007 — Page 4

Page 4 • The Muncie Times • February 15, 2007

continued from page 1 titles in 13 seasons as the cornerstone of the storied Boston Celtics. His reputation as the ultimate winner was established at the University of San Francisco, leading the Dons to back-to-back national championships after which he captained and led the U.S. basketball team to a gold medal at the 1956 Melbourne summer games. His leadership and success on and off the court continued over the years, evidenced by more championship rings than fingers on both hands, and the highest respect from players and fans alike. As one of the greatest superstars in NBA history, Russell redefined the way the game is played, adopting a team effort above everything philosophy, and demonstrating how basketball can be won on the defensive end of the court. His well-deserved individual accolades are impressive, including five NBA MVP Awards, 12 NBA All-Star selections, one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History and election into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, to name a few. "It's an honor for me to join other great legends in many sports who have appeared on the Wheaties box through the years," Russell said. "I'm pleased to be part of some truly remarkable company." "Bill Russell has distinguished himself as a

Bill Russell poses with the Wheaties Box basketball icon, not only having become one of the best players ever to have played the game, but universally acknowledged as the best team player to have played the game," said Dan Slangier, Wheaties marketing. "It's only fitting that this legendary AllStar joins the Wheaties family at a great venue like NBA All-Star 2007 in Las Vegas." This marks the first Wheaties appearance for Russell. Other Wheaties Black History Month honorees have included Muhammad Ali, Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson, Josh Gibson, Satchell Paige, James "Cool

Papa"

Bell, Althea Gibson, Arthur Ashe, Walter Payton and Julius "Dr. J" Erving. The new 18ounce Wheaties package is now available nation-

ally.

Havlicek, K.C. Jones, and JoJo White. Celtics appearing individually on the Wheaties box over the years have included Bob Cousy (1956), K.C. Jones (1967) and Larry Bird (1993). In addition, John Havlicek appeared on the Wheaties box in 1972 as part of the NBA All-Star box. About the NBA The NBA, founded in 1946, is a global sports and entertainment brand that features 30 teams in the United States and Canada. During the

Micheal Jordan has appeared on Wheaties 18 times, the most by any athlete.

legendary 'Celtics 2005-06 season, the

Following the closing including coach Red NBA distributed 45,090 of Boston Garden in the Auerbach, Larry Bird, hours of programming to spring of 1995, Bob Cousy, John 215 countries and terri-

Wheaties featured six

lories in 41 languages. The league's worldwide reach can also be seen with 83 international players on NBA rosters. Domestically, the NBA broadcasted 142 games on national television this past season on ABC, TNT, ESPN and ESPN2, and eclipsed attendance records for the third consecutive season. About Wheaties, "The Breakfast of Champions" Wheaties is "The Official Breakfast Cereal of the NBA." Launched in 1924, Wheaties is the No. 1 whole-grain wheat flaked breakfast cereal in the country. The brand began its association with sports in the mid-1930s with a sign on the left field wall at Nicollet Park near downtown Minneapolis. General Mills' broadcast deal with the minor league Minneapolis Millers on WCCO Radio included the large signboard that Wheaties would use to introduce its new ad slogan: "Wheaties--The Breakfast of Champions." From that rather humble beginning, Wheaties has built a heritage that includes many of the greatest athletes of all time. Learn more at www.wheaties.com. THE BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS(R) AND WHEATIES(R) ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF GENERAL MILLS.