12 Letter Man

It's unusual these days to find a student athlete lettering in 3 sports.  It takes a lot of discipline and focus to participate in three sports a year, hold down a part-time job and go to class.  This is tough for a kid in high school.  But it still happens.  The young man I speak of lettered in football, wrestling and baseball all four years of high school.  Quite an achievement!

He has moved on to college now.  For the last two years, he has served as bat boy and cheerleader in charge of the West Chester University baseball team.  His team won the Division II championship last night over Delta State.  He had work commitments which forced him to miss the semi-final game.  He and his family traveled down to Cary, NC yesterday and got there at game time.  Just in time to put on his uniform and participate.  I'm sure no one was prouder than Timmy Hoge, the gentleman I write about today.

As you can tell, Timmy is no ordinary person.  He is 22 now and I've had the pleasure to know him the past 10 years.  You can always find him around a sporting event.  His parents, Fred and Kathy, make sure there is balance in his life.  They always have.  You see, Timmy has Down Syndrome, but it hasn't kept him from doing what he loves and making a difference to all he meets.  At Unionville High School, he was the manager of each sport mentioned above-always lettering.  He was there as much as work and his schooling would allow; always with a smile, a pat on the back, and a positive comment.  He has helped teams win and brings out the best in people.

Some would say that Timmy was dealt a tough hand at birth.  You can't tell me that.  In his own way, he has motivated a community.  He has made a bigger difference than many leaders through his example.  He is a winner. This is what leadership is-making a difference for the good of society.  Timmy Hoge is a leader and I'm proud to say, he's my friend.