Peachtree – The 2025 Cherokee/Clay Senior Games came to a close Saturday night with a closing ceremony in the Enloe Auditorium at Tri-County Community College.
It was a night of celebration for Senior Games athletes, who were honored for breaking multiple records at this year’s games and also at last year’s State Finals.
It was a full house in the auditorium, with 130 athletes and guests in attendance. This year, the events had 227 participants, breaking last year’s record of 213. Ruth Harrell had the honor of being the torch bearer for the closing ceremony.
There were 84 new sports records set by 35 different competitors; 17 women set 45 records, while 18 men set 32 records, in 32 different events.
This year’s women’s Cherokee/Clay Hall of Records inductee’s for their records broken at the 2025 games are Kemberly Martin, Crissy Raxter, Marla Arbiv, Denise Metzgar, Hope Reagan, Amanda Burts, Cathy McNeely, Georgina Morolla, Christina Prince, Melissa Watson, Jill Dash, Michele Preisser, Mary Bigos, Lucy Lovins, Marcia Dones, Ruth Harrell and Karen Hall.
Michele Preisser and Crissy Raxter set the most new records with nine and seven, respectively.
Hope Reagan was recognized during the ceremony with a certificate of achievement for setting a new state record at the State Finals in September in the 10K road race in the 50-54 age group.
Michele Preisser was recognized with four certificates of achievement at the ceremony for setting state records at the State Finals in the 1,500-meter power walk, 5,000m power walk, 10K road race and mini-golf in the 65-69 age group.
Men entering the Cherokee/Clay Hall of Records by setting new records at this year’s games are Michael Colandrea, Tony Povinelli, Mark Berlinski, Donnie Hallman, John Metzgar, Jack Barnes, Robert Gougler, Alan Gutierrez, Art Hubbard, Rob Law, Mark Smutz, Steven Stanley, Bill Battle, Van Estes, David Baumann, Terence Faries, Charles Staten and Kenneth Thigpen.
Art Hubbard had the most new records for the men with six new records. He broke all six in the swimming events.
During the closing ceremony, special guest Dennis Streets, a member of the N.C. Senior Games Board of Directors, came in from Raleigh and gave the opening address. He also helped present medals.
Dr. Edie Spence and Dr. Ashley Ottmer were the keynote speakers for the event. The Senior Games also hosted a banquet for all in attendance catered by Parkers Burgers & Sweets in Ranger.
During the closing ceremony, they had SilverArts performances. Jerry Leslie, Fitch Hasbrouck, David Baumann, Nancy Baumann, Cobby Barfield and The Black Tie Superspies small group performed.
Fitch Hasbrouck won the gold medals and was voted Best in Show in the comedy/drama category of the performing arts competition for his “Rindercella-Fitch Style” performance. He earned the only performing arts qualifying spot to compete at the State Finals in September.
A group of Senior Games athletes from Cherokee and Clay counties will head to the State Finals with a chance to bring home medals – and even qualify for the National Finals. The National Finals begin in September in the Raleigh area.