"How old would you be if you didn't know how old you were?"
is a question that I frequently pose . . . directly or in- . . . in these posts. Another pertinent questions is "How old is OLD ?". As I near my four-score numbered birthday, I delight in reminders that it is younger than it used to be.
Most recently the exploits of my long-ago Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity brother, Danny Sewell, demonstrated the potential that we 'older folk' have. Granted that Danny has long been physically active as a basketball player only makes his story more remarkable.
As a college undergraduate from 1956-60, Danny excelled as a varsity player at then tiny High Point (NC) College, earning All American recognition. Earlier this year, he was inducted into the school's athletic Hall of Fame, his jersey number 32 having been retired years ago.
Soon after graduation, he and Shelby, the Head Cheerleader
were married. After 56 years of marriage, Shelby passed away last September. Together they influenced the lives of numerous persons, especially as educators and coach. In addition to his 'regular job', Danny was a substitute high school teacher and girls' basketball coach.
Continuing to play in organized leagues through the years, he has been active in State and National Senior Games, having been a member of several 'Gold Medal' teams. Earlier this month, his team the "NC 56'ers", won the 80 -84 Category Gold Medal in the National Senior Games Association play in Birmingham, Alabama.
Someone asked him the origin of the team name and he replied that it was the year that they finished high school. His daughter posted videos of some of the play and he still has the smooth moves that made him an outstanding collegiate player.
 |
| From college Senior Yearbook |
One of the teams that the 56'ers defeated was that of singer Pat Boone. In the picture below, Danny stands behind Boone as he was being interview by a local television station.
Lacking the necessary tekky skills, I was unable to download a video of Danny's 'moves'. On You Tube there is, however, a brief video of Pat Boone's team in action against another team.
 |
| 2017 Senior Games 80-84 Year old Division Champions |
I have not researched the accuracy of a recent 'statistic' that I heard, claiming that the 70 and above age group was the fastest growing demographic in the American population. Whether that is correct or not, there are lots of us and the numbers are growing. If we have our health, the time for the 'rocking chair' can be a relic from a by-gone era.
Thanks for the reminder, Danny.
Satchel
