Two years ago, I became something I hadn’t been before. My soccer teammates told me I was a role model. It wasn’t because I was playing any better -- they just finally found out I was twenty years older than some of them.
That’s what makes us proud of being GeezerJocks, isn’t it? We carry on our Weekend Road Warrior traditions long after our peers have retired to a couch potato trailer park of existence.
But while I might inspire younger athletes, I am in turn inspired by others twenty years older than I. The weekend of March 15-16, 2008, I saw some phenomenal athletes at the 2008 Bay Area Senior Games at Stanford University.
On a lark, my buddy and I signed up for table tennis. The last time I had played ping pong was 35 years ago during beer fests in the dorm basement. My bud had at least played in a few college tournaments, so we thought we might have a chance at being competitive. We practiced for 3 months but set our expectations at just having a good time.
When we showed up for the games, we were the only ping pong pretenders in a serious group of around 30 competitors (only 3 women). Many were in their 70’s and 80’s, and all were slim and fit with keen eyes and incredibly quick reflexes. Most looked 15-20 years younger than their true age. I was annihilated by 79-year-old Harriet, who let me have a few mercy points. The doubles competition was won by Harvey and Ken, a couple of guys in their 70’s, who beat a couple of guys in their 50’s.
I also played one day of women’s soccer. I know a lot of these women because most play in various leagues around the SF Bay Area. What amazed me more was the men’s soccer, where there were fantastic players on the field. Except for the white heads of hair, they could have been 35, running down the field with fluidity and power, and shooting from 20 yards out. I knew I hadn’t seen them around before and asked where they were from. Mike Mackenzie said he puts together the soccer event just so that these men, from all over northern California, would have a place to play.
I came away from that weekend with some good memories and a lot of inspiration. There are pictures of the athletes in action at http://johntodd.spitfirephoto.com/albums.php?albumId=175.
Next August, Stanford will be the site of the 2009 Summer National Senior Games. Athletes must first qualify in State games for the traditional events like tennis, cycling, swimming, and track. But there will be demonstration sports (soccer, fencing, water polo, rowing, sailing, lawn bowling and equestrian events), where any athlete can register.
Hope to see you there, soaking in inspiration and perspiration. Because old athletes never die, they just become role models.
(mj note: I put some edits to the original text in red font--it's not for emphasis. Due to Senior moments, I misspelled roll in the title and forgot to include my main point at the end!)
Tags: Senior Olympics Bay Area Ping Pong Table Tennis Soccer
