SHARES IN THE SPORTS AUTHORITY UP AMID TAKEOVER TALKS

          Shares in The Sports Authority "are pumped up" over
     speculation that the FL-based chain "is a takeover target,"
     according to Richard Wilner of the N.Y. POST.  The company
     closed yesterday at a 52-week high of 21 11/16 and shares
     are up "nearly" 21% percent since October 3.  Wilner:
     "Industry rumors said Woolworth, whose Foot Locker athletic
     footwear chain has cooled and who is looking to grow its
     Champs Sports chain, was on the prowl.  Woolworth did not
     address the Sports Authority rumors but said it planned to
     make acquisitions down the road."  Wilner adds that "despite
     persistent rumors, people close" to The Sports Authority
     said "it's not interested in selling" (N.Y. POST, 10/10).