Versatility

About 10 years ago there was a column written in the Star-Ledger of Newark by John McGlaughlin.  He referred to Swede as an athlete of "extraordinary versatility".  Upon reflection, my father sure was remarkable in the range of sports that he not only participated in, but starred in.  He was dominant on the football field, as a runner, passer, linebacker, punter and receiver.  In basketball he excelled at scoring, rebounding, passing, and defending.  In track and field he excelled at the shot put, discus, sprints, high jump, and hurdles, and in college, when he took up soccer, he was named to the coaches All-American team.  He was a great volleyball player, swimmer and diver, and he became an excellent tennis player when he took the sport up later in life.  His college basketball teammate told me he was "by far" the best wrestler in the school.  

He was always lauded for his sportsmanship and for his effort; indeed, the thing I admired the most about my father's athletic achievements is that he was never very impressed with himself.  As different as he was as an athlete, he was best known for the way he carried himself...with total humility.  The title of his obituary was "Swede Masin, Humble Newark Sports Icon".  I was so glad his humility was stressed.  That was Swede.