Jan 19, 2000

I never thought I'd get to say I beat Bill Rodgers in a race, although I do know he wasn't racing the Millennathon half-marathon. What was more pleasing was to get his autograph.

I go to a lot of baseball games and have watched players signing. They seldom look up to make eye contact with the people they sign for and rarely say anything, except once in a while to little kids.

Bill Rodgers was so gracious when I saw him after the race. There was a small crowd around him of people wanting his signature or wanting to be photographed with him. While I was in his presence, he took the time to make a little small talk with every single person and asked each one his or her name before writing a personalized note with his autograph.

He's now a greater hero to me than ever. (Richard Leutzinger, Pacific Grove, California)

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