published Sunday, Aug. 4,1996

Rod White shakes hands with many of the well-wishers who turned out to welcome him. Many fans had lined the roadway to cheer for White as he traveled into Hermitage from the Pittsburgh Airport. The 19-year-old Olympian received honors from local, county and state officials. (Gene Paulson/Herald)

HERMITAGE

`Welcome home, Rod`

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OLYMPIAN GETS GOLDEN HOMECOMING

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More than 1,000 fans cram Wal-Mart parking lot, line up on Route 18

By Jeff Greenburg
Herald Assistant Sports Editor

With a slight breeze blowing in his face as he peered through the sun roof of a limousine, Olympic gold medalist Rod White returned to his hometown of Hermitage Sunday afternoon to a hero's welcome.

More than 1,000 well-wishers were on hand at the Wal-Mart parking lot to honor Rod, a member of the gold-medal winning U.S. Archery Team, and hundreds more lined state Route 18 as he and an escort of nearly a dozen Hermitage fire trucks and police cruisers _ with sirens and horns blaring _ made their way from the Holiday Inn.

``It's unbelievable,'' an overwhelmed White said as he rode high above the tons of dirt and freshly laid blacktop on South Hermitage Road in the limo that had picked him up earlier in the day at Pittsburgh International Airport.

Rod White, Olympic gold medalist in archery, received a hero's welcome Sunday, Aug. 11, when he returned for the first time to his native Hermitage since the Summer Games concluded in Atlanta. (Gene Paulson/Herald)

The escort led Rod and his family to an American flag-lined stage in the Wal-Mart parking lot, where a couple dozen local, county and state officials, along with many other members of his family and the huge crowd, awaited to honor him.

``I was sitting there with goose bumps when those fire trucks and the limo with Rod waving came in,'' Hermitage Commissioner James ``Pat'' White told the crowd.

``Thanks for your support,'' said Rod, who had his gold medal draped around his neck. ``Everybody being here is really cool.''

Proclamations were presented to Rod from the Hermitage School Board, city and county commissioners, and the state House and Senate.

``A lot of people can be representatives, but (Rod's) the only one I know who can hit the bull's eye that many times,'' said state Rep. Michael C. Gruitza, Hermitage, D-7th District. ``We don't give these (proclamations) out for just anything and I've never been more proud to give one.''

Rod, a son of Dick and Ella White of Hermitage, also received congratulations and gifts from representatives of local organizations that had helped raise funds for him and his family.

But perhaps the most memorable moment of the day for Rod came when Hermitage commissioners, who had already proclaimed Sunday as ``Rod White Day,'' announced the new recreation park being built behind Hickory High School would be named ``Rodney White Olympic Park.'' (see related story)

And not so surprisingly, a very emotional and humbled Rod, who momentarily removed his hat and ran his fingers through his hair _ obviously in sheer disbelief at the announcement _ was extremely appreciative.

``Thanks for the park,'' he said, searching for the right words. ``I hope all the kids get a chance to use it and have a blast with it.''

More than 1,000 fans turned out at the Wal-Mart parking lot, off the Shenango Valley Freeway, to greet and cheer for him. (Gene Paulson/Herald)

Rod went on to thank his parents, Dr. Dave Machuga, Carl Wombacker and everybody else who had supported his Olympic bid in some way.

``I really appreciate it,'' said the 19-year-old Rod, who only 14 months ago graduated from Hickory High School.

His father echoed the sentiments.

``This has been fabulous,'' said Dick, his voice cracking with emotion. ``I'm sure Rod appreciates it as much as I do.''

There was no question of that.

``It's been an honor shooting for the United States, Pennsylvania, Mercer County and Hermitage,'' said Rod. ``It's a real honor to shoot for the country.''

And judging by the turnout Sunday, it appears to have been a real honor for many local residents to go along for Rod's Olympic ride.

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Updated Aug. 12, 1996