Octogenarians on the Courts!

Donna Gillen

Tennis is a sport of a lifetime! After researching the benefits of tennis at any age, thoughts come to mind of all the seasoned players here at PebbleCreek. This month, let’s delve into our octogenarians to see how this sport continues to improve our mind, bodies, and mental acuities on and off the courts.

This idea came to mind upon celebrating Jerry Santy’s 88th birthday back in April at “Date Night.” How does Jerry keep playing intensely and gracefully on the courts? Jerry started playing 50 years ago at age 38 after retiring from the Air Force. Through the years, he played competitively all over the country with his partner, a doctor. Those were his great memories. However, his best “match” was at a country club in Montana, where he met his future partner, Jill, at the “Dinner League;” they’ve been playing together ever since. Jerry’s quick and keen sense of humor adds to every match.

Bob Pinto is an icon in his own right. He started playing in his 70s. He says it keeps him “strong and happy” and keeps him young. He enjoys his fellow players. A word of wisdom from Bob, “be careful poaching at the net; you may get hit below the belt.”

Ken Minichiello started playing in his 20s. He played on many teams back in Ohio and here in PC. He shared that playing with his friends is what he enjoyed best about the sport. He has a rich history here; he formed the men’s Drop-In League. Tennis keeps him young at heart—and with a smile on his face.

Dale Taylor has been playing for 72 years! He is well seasoned with the game as he started playing competitively at age 12. He reiterates that PebbleCreek is the right choice for tennis.

John Flynn started playing at 13 when he realized baseball was not his sport. Over the years he has taught lessons at parks all throughout Portland, Ore. He is a certified U. S. Tennis Association (USTA) umpire and was an official at the U.S. Open in the 90s. He credits tennis for his fitness and keeping his mind engaged through socializing with the club.

Peter Jeziorski has a long history with tennis and a great love of the sport starting at age 25. He enjoyed playing on clay courts back in New Jersey. He indicates on these courts, the play is smooth/cool. The sport still makes him smile and gives him a thrill, like skiing down a mountain. “Tennis clears your head and makes you concentrate,” he says. He commented that PC is a great venue for tennis.

Dan Clinton has been playing a mere 70 years, with a little time off to focus on golf. Tennis is still his favorite sport, and he continues to play three to four times a week. The camaraderie of the game keeps him going—it’s just for fun now. (He played competitively in high school.)

Richard Tighe played on a team: “The Beer and Cigars Saturday Morning League.” He claims they actually made it into the playoffs once. He still enjoys playing.

John Russell was introduced to tennis by his parents in 1946. During his teenage years he played at the Valley Hunt Club in Pasadena. He shared that playing with his father when he was 84 is a favorite memory, also playing Pro James Blake in an exhibition match. His daily exercise routine is playing tennis. He hopes to continue to share his knowledge of the game with others through clinics.

Jim McKenna reminisces: It was early May 1951 in a small town south of Boston; the last storm of the season had just left enough snow to spoil tennis that afternoon. During a discussion, a bright kid suggested: “we’ve shoveled enough snow from sidewalks and driveways, we can easily shovel a court!” So that was the first time I walked onto a court with a shovel.

The common denominator for all these men is: I play for the joy of tennis! For us, their amazing skills, stamina, and camaraderie inspire us to continue to be the best we can be in any endeavor.