The Tennessee Senior Olympics state final running events were held in Crockett Park.

Brentwood Home Page news reports
Hundreds of seniors were awarded medals for their outstanding athletic performance during the recent Tennessee Senior Olympics state finals, July 22-28 in Williamson County. The medal winners include several from Brentwood, like Mark E. Hershberger, who brought home five gold medals for swimming events.

Winning athletes, ages 50 and older, earned gold, silver and bronze medals in individual and team events including basketball, volleyball, swimming, tennis, and track and field. The oldest medal winner from this year's event was Robert Jones of Pinson, age 98, who took home gold medals in bowling, discus, shot put, and javelin.

"Athletes from across the state who participated in this year's Tennessee Senior Olympics are role models for active lifestyles at any age," said Kathryn Smith, who manages BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee's sponsorship of the event.

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee has been a longtime supporter of the Tennessee Senior Olympics since helping to establish the games in 1981. The event encourages healthy lifestyles by offering a competitive and social outlet for seniors.

"Approximately 1,500 seniors participated in the 31st annual Tennessee Senior Olympics this year," said Christine Dewbre, executive director. "Thanks to the continued support from our volunteers, spectators, sponsors and host organizations, we can continue to provide successful opportunities like this year's games for Tennessee seniors."

Brentwood was well represented among the medal winners. Several Brentwood venues hosted competitions, including the Indoor Sports Complex.

The force behind the Tennessee Senior Olympics include, from left, executive director Christine Dewbre; administrative assistant, Traci Meador, chief volunteer Celia Leech, and assistant director Teresa Prinzo

Brenda C. Bass, 66, won a gold medal in shot put, and bronze medals in discus and javelin in her 65-69 age group.

Beth B. Brown, 75, was a winner in the pool, sweeping the gold medals in the 100-yard backstroke, 100-yard freestyle, 50-yard backstroke and 50-yard freestyle for the 75079 age category.

On the tennis court, 67-year-old Pat Kirby received a gold medal in mixed doubles and silver in doubles (65-69).

And Sheri L. Sweitzer, 52, won a bronze medal in pickleball mixed doubles (50-54).

Jack L. Gilbert, 69, earned third-place bronze medal in golf, while Gary M. Gossett, 54, brought home more than a handful of medals in a variety of sports.

Gossett's javelin throw of 102'11" was enough to win the gold, while his shot put and softball throws both earned him silvers. He placed fourth in the discus. Gossett won silver medals in badminton, doubles; 3-point basketball, and archery-compound release.

Mark E. Hershberger, 54, had success in the water, winning five gold medals in swimming. He won the 100-yard backstroke, 50-yeard backstroke, 50-yeard butterfly, 50-yard freestyle, and the 100-yard freestyle.

In cycling, Lonnie R. Puterbaugh, 51, came home with two golds, one for the 5k (7:52) and one in the 20k (32:46.95).

Sixty-five year old Ralph L. Worthington won the gold in racquetball.

Photos by Peg Fredi for Brentwood Home Page