Rocco Mediate: A True Sportsman

My favorite story this week is the U.S. Open. How a journeyman golfer named Rocco Mediate went toe-to-toe with Tiger Woods for nineteen holes in a playoff.

Mediate is one of the good guys on the tour. He gets along with everyone and is generous with his time. He even welcomes new comers.

At 45 he's been struggling with back problems and even had surgery a year ago. And yes he had to play a qualifier just to get into the tournament. Mediate is not exactly Dick Duffer from the local pub linx, but he's about as close to a mere mortal as anyone who will ever battle Tiger Woods.

And there he was yesterday admittedly nervous, but smiling and talkative and visibly enjoying every minute of Monday's playoff. Anyone else would have melted in despair, but there was Rocco, appreciating Woods mastery of the game.

We see that sort of thing so rarely that it really stood out. Rocco Mediate proved himself on the golf course but also proved to be a true sportsman.