National Senior Games

Obituaries December 18, 2024

Roy Englert dies at 102: National Senior Games legend set records in relays, distances

M95 distance superstar Roy Englert Sr. once was asked three short tips for those seeking to be lifetime runners. Roy replied: “1) Keep moving. 2) Keep moving. 3) Keep moving.” Today his son Roy Jr. shared the sad news that we won’t be seeing his dad run anymore. He died a week ago in Lake Ridge, Virginia, at 102 surrounded by his loving wife and children. I met him at 2019 Ames masters nationals, where he kicked off the meet with an M95 world record in the 5000. I taped him being interviewed and asked some questions myself. I also…

Hornet Stadium at Sacramento State has seen many masters records. Hoping 2021 affords us some more.

General January 5, 2021

Will Sacramento masters nationals go way of 2021 Millrose Games? Vaccination levels key

In late July 2010, USATF masters nationals were staged at Sacramento State University, site of the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Trials. The 2010 meet was a warmup for 2011 worlds, also mainly at Hornet Stadium. Now the question: Will Sacramento host 2021 masters nationals — either in July or delayed till August? It’s officially still on, as national chair Jerry Bookin-Weiner said today on Facebook. But the dates are fluid. For those who prefer customized dosages or need a more versatile option, our liquid nolvadex solutions are here to cater to your specific requirements. Enjoy the flexibility of adjusting doses…

John H. Clark III of Texas spins the true tale of rediscovering track — his own memoir as a newbie pole vaulter.

General February 22, 2020

M60 Vaulter’s Uplifting Memoir: ‘Finally Fit’ Gives Bubba Sparks a Long-Overdue Boost

Spend an hour with Bubba Sparks and you’re a goner. You’ll become a vaulter. In the case of author John H. Clark III, all it took was a Facebook query to Bubba, his older classmate from Houston’s Scarborough High School. “Do you think I could take up pole vaulting for the first time in my life at 60 years old?” Of course, Bubba said: “Let’s go!” John’s journey from “couch potato” to National Senior Games entrant is movingly told in his latest book — “Finally Fit: It’s Never Too Late to Achieve a Dream.” Published six days after Valentine’s Day,…

Rants June 26, 2019

National Senior Games age-group rules debated: Should USATF practice apply?

Kathy Bergen doesn’t turn 80 until late December, and Brenda Matthews doesn’t turn 70 until early July. But at last week’s National Senior Games in Albuquerque, Kathy won W80 sprints and Brenda won W70. For those in the parallel USATF masters circuit, this is crazy. In Senior Olympic state, regional and national events, it’s par for the quirky course. As I’ve explained to newbies for decades, USATF (and World Masters Athletics) assigns your age group based on your actual age on the first day of a given meet. (This leads to some folks aging up in the middle of the…

Brenda Matthews (red), Linda Cohn (middle) and Pat Kelly (blue) battle in a 50.

General June 4, 2018

Pasadena Senior Games gave us chance to improve, qualify for ABQ 2019

Masters track is great cuz you can still improve year-to-year despite age. So I was thrilled to run the 50-meter dash Saturday in 8.31 at the Pasadena Senior Games (held at Cal State Los Angeles because Caltech’s track is said to be undergoing rehab). A year ago, I ran 8.56 at Caltech. So that makes up for my dropping out of the 100 after four steps (calf cramp, related to high jumping). Mastersrankings.com has results from the two-day meet (with javelin held at Occidental College because or artificial turf Sunday). Many entrants tried their feet at multiple events — since…