Athlete of the Month
Each month, NSGA selects an interesting athlete to highlight from the vast diversity of people who participate in National Senior Games. These stories demonstrate the spirit of The Games and the benefits of fitness, fun and fellowship that athletes enjoy through their competitive efforts. Everyone has a story to share – what’s yours?
Click Here to submit your information, or nominate someone who inspires you!
Use the search box to find athletes by name or year of story.

“Heartfelt Thanks” – November 2013 Athlete of the Month

HUMANA Heroes: November 2013 Athlete of the Month Heartfelt Thanks On June 22nd, 2007, John Bates was having the time of his life, sharing a tennis court with his doubles partner and wife Janice Sullivan. They had traveled to Louisville, Kentucky from their home in east Tennessee to compete in the 2007 National Senior Games.

“Man of 1,000 Races” – October 2013 Athlete of the Month

HUMANA Heroes: October 2013 Athlete of the Month Man of 1,000 Races Experienced runners will tell you that it’s good to have a goal. But few goals are as remarkable as Don McMahill’s-that of competing in 1,000 races. The 77 year old retired YMCA director reached that ambitious milestone in the 5K race walk at

“On a Wing and a Prayer” – September 2013 Athlete of the Month

On a Wing and a Prayer 55 year old Joe Garcia of Ferndale, Washington has a competitive spirit, but he had more on his mind than simply running a race when he qualified for the 2013 National Senior Games Presented by Humana. We couldn’t believe our eyes when we encountered Joe dressed in native garb

“This One’s for Mom and Dad” – July 2013 Athlete of the Month

Linn Dunton, 56, Pine Valley, California In August of 2007, Linn Dunton of Pine Valley, California was enjoying a full life as a teacher, track coach, wife and mother of four. With one phone call she was thrown into a battle for her life with a diagnosis of breast cancer. She says she put it

“Where in the world is Ron Snipe?” – June 2013 Athlete of the Month

Ron Snipe, 69, Port Angeles, Washington Senior athlete Ron Snipe loves geography. He made it his college major, studying in Mexico City and earning degrees at the University of Utah and Utah State, where he played on the varsity soccer team. A large portion of his career has been as a sales rep, consultant and

“Trying Something New” – May 2013 Athlete of the Month

Marie Neaves, Townsend, Delaware Marie Neaves of Townsend, Delaware may have a career working in a library, but she is no mere bookworm. Marie is not one to shirk a challenge, and she’s had her share. Trying something new got her involved in sports after she became a senior, and it’s been one thing after

“A True Team Player” – April 2013 Athlete of the Month

Helen White, 59, Arlington, Virginia Spectators at the recent NCAA Division 1 women’s basketball regional semi-finals at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia were treated to a special halftime show at games featuring Notre Dame vs. Kansas and Duke vs. Nebraska. You might say it was “one for the ages” as members of the NOVA

“Senior Games are Keeping Me Alive” – March 2013 Athlete of the Month

Hazel Trexler-Campbell, 90, Salisbury, North Carolina Sports have always been a saving grace for Hazel Trexler-Campbell of Salisbury, NC. “If I hadn’t played basketball in high school I would have flunked out. It kept me interested and active and helped me stay involved until I graduated. I still wear my class ring today.” The 90

“Persistance, Thy Name is Rick Muth” – February 2013 Athlete of the Month

Rick Muth, 63, Orange County, California Rick Muth of Orange County, California is a runner. Boy, is he a runner. Muth, 63, missed the California Senior Games but was determined to qualify for the National Senior Games. He had business in Charlotte, NC so he figured he would take a tree hopper to Charleston, WV