As one of the school secretaries that watched Tom grow up, this story hit hard. I thank God every day for the strength Tom has and pray for him and his family every night. He is a great kid with an awesome attitude. Although we will miss him in the hallways at our school, he will continue to be a huge role model for our students and those new friends he will make at college.
JC You continue to gather and write outstanding stories about sports. But your stories about life and perserverance are the best. I had cancer my senior year in high school made a very special recovery and went on to play Div 1 Baseball and Minor League Baseball . I really appreciate you sharing the information you come across and your compassion for athletes and people
I’m a relatively tough guy. Raised by a career military officer. I was an Army Ranger serving in VN as an Infantry officer in ‘68 & ‘69. More damn surgeries as a result of VN than I can count. Tom Rudolf has me feeling very humble. I cried.
Did it again John. There is a reason you won the Sports Columnist award again this past year. Think I'll drive out to Ione and take a lap or two on that grass track.
Thanks for the first cry of the day…what a wonderful story of determination and perseverance and a fine young man raised by good people. The Ione community sounds like the best. Good luck to all in the fight ahead. Thanks again
Every student athlete who steps on the field of play has a story. Some dramatic, some less so, but all significant to that individual. If you listen you will be impressed and humbles repeatedly.
What a touching, well-written story about a strong, determined young man. You’ve got what it takes, Tom. Big hugs and continued encouragement to you and your family, and much gratitude for your friends and support team.
As one of the school secretaries that watched Tom grow up, this story hit hard. I thank God every day for the strength Tom has and pray for him and his family every night. He is a great kid with an awesome attitude. Although we will miss him in the hallways at our school, he will continue to be a huge role model for our students and those new friends he will make at college.
Thank you. That school community sounds like a gem.
JC You continue to gather and write outstanding stories about sports. But your stories about life and perserverance are the best. I had cancer my senior year in high school made a very special recovery and went on to play Div 1 Baseball and Minor League Baseball . I really appreciate you sharing the information you come across and your compassion for athletes and people
Thank you for sharing this. I appreciate that Gary.
Excellent piece, John. THIS separates you from the pack.
Thanks Mark
I’m a relatively tough guy. Raised by a career military officer. I was an Army Ranger serving in VN as an Infantry officer in ‘68 & ‘69. More damn surgeries as a result of VN than I can count. Tom Rudolf has me feeling very humble. I cried.
Thank you for reading. What a great kid.
Indeed.
THIS is why sports matter. Thanks for this one, John.
Thanks Mark. Appreciate it.
Did it again John. There is a reason you won the Sports Columnist award again this past year. Think I'll drive out to Ione and take a lap or two on that grass track.
That grass track sounds delightful.
Thanks for reminding us that there are good things happening in the world and we need to look around us to see them.
So much good out there.
Yes, there is, and it's up to us to look for it!!
Great story. You nailed the important stuff.
Thank you Jim.
Thanks for the first cry of the day…what a wonderful story of determination and perseverance and a fine young man raised by good people. The Ione community sounds like the best. Good luck to all in the fight ahead. Thanks again
John for finding heart in the athletic community.
The kid is such a good story. Thanks for reading.
Every student athlete who steps on the field of play has a story. Some dramatic, some less so, but all significant to that individual. If you listen you will be impressed and humbles repeatedly.
Great context.
We live in a small community and your story touched my heart, THANK YOU for reminding us of what is important in sports.!
Those small communities are more like families, aren't they?
Love stories like these. Puts everything in perspective
Thanks Bill
Thanks John.
The breadth of your sports coverage is something else. Great story.
Appreciate this Mike.
Grace trumps the cynic again. Thanks JC.
Such a moving journey he's been on.
Thanks for another great article! Athletics/coaches saved my life!
Thank you Dave. Great point.
What a touching, well-written story about a strong, determined young man. You’ve got what it takes, Tom. Big hugs and continued encouragement to you and your family, and much gratitude for your friends and support team.
Thanks Gail. Means a lot.