Seniors shoot, swim, hit at Huntsman World Senior Games
Medicine Hat’s contingent didn’t make up a lot of the 10,000-plus athletes at the Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Utah, but they did earn a raft of medals.
Swimmers, archers, softball players and even a racquetball player with roots in the Gas City travelled to the massive event which began last week and winds up this weekend.
Competition aside, the real reason to go was to have a good time. And that’s coming from one of the medallists.
“It’s so much fun,” said Dan David. “The people and everything that goes on here is meant to have fun, it promotes friendship and stuff like that.”
David, on the heels of a provincial archery title and silver medal at Canadian championships in August, won a gold and a bronze in Utah. His wife Sheri added a gold of her own.
Going up against an Arizona state champion in the 3D shooting division was a highlight for Dan, who’s won plenty of titles over the years and figured this event wouldn’t be quite as serious. Until, of course, the targets come out. “They’re very nice people, we’re all friendly but when it comes down to making your shots, it’s all business,” he said. “I had a real bad start in my first round of the 3D, it was windy that morning and I shot a terrible round, had one complete miss so I was way behind.
“Once the wind stopped I was able to do my thing. The last round was a big fight with the guy from Arizona. It was awesome.”
Swimmers Michelle and Mike Roll earned the most hardware. Michelle was back for a second year and Mike was inspired after watching her in 2017, so he took up the challenge and trained hard.
It paid off. Michelle got another nine medals (three gold, five silver and a bronze), while Mike earned two gold and three silver in his first meet.
Dan David’s sisters Lori David and June Low of St. Albert also went with the group, Lori taking bronze in her racquetball division.
As for softball, the Medicine Hat Huff and Puffs had two teams entered. The 65-plus squad was fifth in its division with a 2-3 record, narrowly edged out in two straight playoff games. The 60-plus team went 1-2 in the round robin.
Recently retired, Dan David figures he’s on the cusp of a new surge of results in archery. Medals or not, his smile and attitude say it all.
“It’s just so much fun,” he said. “I’m retired now, so I’ve got more time to practice. I might just get better.”