This 'Hound is an Inspiration to All

Three of Baltimore’s own, Michael Phelps, Carmelo Anthony, and Katie Hoff, with their performances in Beijing, stirred the emotions of everyone watching back in the United States. Our jaws hit the ground in amazement of Phelps’ unparalleled performance in capturing an astonishing 8 gold medals. We all felt proud of the way Carmelo’s “Redeem Team” conducted itself with class in winning both on and off the court. And I think we all felt a little disappointed for Hoff, just a 19 year old, whose quest for a myriad of golds “only” produced a couple bronzes.

Wearing smiles on their faces throughout no matter what the outcome, it certainly was a pleasant breath of fresh air. However, as inspirational as we found their shows of brilliance – their stories do not come close to comparing to Loyola’s very own Phil Scholz.

If you are not familiar with the Greyhound sophomore’s story please click on this link … http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=3207492 . This article was originally written by Loyola student, Matt Kiebus (a proud St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City alum), for The Greyhound back in December 2007, but once ESPN got word of it, they brought the story to light on its website where it could be appreciated by a national audience.

Scholz, who is blind and has faced countless health issues in his tremendously successful yet still very young life, will begin his 5-event schedule at the Paralympic Games in Beijing this Tuesday. There, he will attempt to bring back as many medals as he can in the 100 Fly, 400 Free, 100 Free, 100 Back, and 50 Free – and in turn make us just as proud, if not more, than Phelps, Anthony, and Hoff combined.

It’s not everyday a Greyhound athlete can make a huge impact on a national scene, much less an international one – but in this case, no matter the result, with his courage he already has.

Check back here, as well as loyolagreyhounds.com, in the coming week, for the results of his trip to the Far East.

Good luck Phil – and Taxi!