Vol. 16, No. 38	Aug. 7, 1997

CSB employee makes her mark in Senior Olympics

When Jean Lane began her quest to compete nationally as an athlete in the Senior Olympics program, she was uncertain about the level of both her commitment and her ability.

A maintenance technician at the Carpenter Sports Building, Lane discovered she was indeed serious and that competing at such a high level is possible to anyone willing to try.

Her interest in the program began two years ago, when a man at a local batting cage told her that he was going to Dover to compete in the Delaware Senior Olympics.

The next spring Lane registered and went to Dover hoping to earn a place on the women's softball team. When she was told no team existed, Lane decided to enter as a contestant in the discus, javelin and 3-on-3 basketball competitions.

At the state game held in October 1996, Lane qualified for all three sports, as well as earning a spot on the women's volleyball team. As a result, she was eligible to compete in the national championships, held earlier this year in Tuscon.

For Lane, the highlight of the 1997 National Senior Sports Classic VI was the Parade of Champions on opening day, when some 10,000 Senior Olympians from across America marched into the football stadium at Arizona State University at Tucson.

"It was really a spirited group," Lane said. "Everybody was happy to be there."

What fascinated Lane most about the gathering, she said, was the quality of the female contestants, whose numbers included a former Olympic hurdler and former members of one of the nation's women's professional softball teams, the Ray Bestos' Brakettes.

The contestants were bracketed according to age groups, ranging from 50 to 90 years, all actively competing in various events. One fellow competitor said she had gone to all of her husband's and son's sporting events through the years, and now she figured it was their turn to return the favor.

"Older women competing today often did not have the opportunity to play Little League sports as youngsters," Lane said. "Now, these women are ready to play the sports they missed out on, and they really want to do it."

Lane said she received tremendous support from many of her co-workers in the Carpenter Sports Building. They called her with encouragement, played Olympic music in her honor, gave her a YoUDee doll and wished her the best of luck at Tucson.

This support for Lane continues, in the form of valuable training advice from knowledgeable professionals in the field, including Sue McGrath-Powell, UD women's track coach.

While Lane trains for the next national event, to be held in 1999 in Orlando, she also is trying to interest others in becoming Senior Olympians.

"It is a mission of mine to put together at least one softball team for the next Olympics," Lane said. "I have asked people who would be eligible, age-wise, if they are interested."

Lane said she found that seniors, including women runners in their 70s, are still competitive and often compete with and against younger athletes.

"The competitive spirit is still alive," Lane said. "It's not about sports or performances, but about the spirit still being there."

--Jerry Rhodes