Going Above and Beyond

With all of the bad stories that you hear about athletes and coaches and the like, it's easy to overlook the fact that some of these folks are good people. And for every bad story you hear about DUI's or spousal abuse or performance enhancing drugs, there are some really good stories out there too. This is one of those.

 Photo Courtesy: espn.com

Tom Walter is the head baseball coach at Wake Forest University, a position he's held since June 16, 2009, but it hasn't taken him long to make an impact. Freshman outfielder Kevin Jordan was diagnosed with ANCA vasculitis, a condition that left him required him to get a kidney transplant. None of Jordan's family members were matches, so Walter had himself tested and when he was found to be a match, he volunteered himself to be a doner. The surgery took place on Monday and both men are expected to make full recoveries. WOW. I mean talk about the ultimate gesture of kindness. He basically saved the kid's life, and Jordan hasn't even played a game for Wake Forest yet. I mean that's really something.

"When we recruit our guys, we talk about family and making sacrifices for one another," Walter said before the operation. "It is something we take very seriously. I had the support of my family, Wake Forest and my team. To me it was a no-brainer."

I'll tell you what, I am now a fan of Wake Forest baseball. I mean, how could you not root for this guy after that?

The Demon Deacons were 18-37 last year, 8-22 in the ACC, but Walter's got a great track record so don't be surprised to see him turn them around. In 14 seasons with Wake Forest, New Orleans and George Washington University he has amassed a record of 446-368. Wake opens the 2011 season on February 18th at LSU. 

Wake Forest Baseball Schedule