EXHIBIT 24.4
                                       
  
                              POWER OF ATTORNEY
  
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that Robert A. Gardebled, Jr. 
constitutes and appoints John Simonelli, Larry E. Howell and Michael E. Dunn, 
and each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with all 
power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and 
stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments to this 
Registration Statement, including post-effective amendments thereto, and to 
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection 
therewith with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto same 
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to 
do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be 
done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he 
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said 
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their substitute or 
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


Dated February 19, 1998                  /s/ Robert A. Gardebled, Jr.
                                         ----------------------------------
                                         Robert A. Gardebled, Jr.