By Terence Faries, Contributing Writer
38 Cherokee and Clay county locals compete in Senior Games State Finals
Raleigh – This fall, a record contingent of 38 participants from Cherokee and Clay counties joined more than 3,500 competitors from around the state to compete in the Senior Games State Finals sports and SilverArts competitions.
All State Finals participants did their counties proud while competing in various events. Cherokee and Clay counties picked up a grand total of 39 medals – 14 gold, 16 silver and 10 bronze.
On the sports side, the 13 local sports participants finished by earning a total of 24 medals – 12 gold, six silver and six bronze in their respective five-year age divisions. Special mention also goes to Michele Preisser, whose six-medal achievement included setting three new N.C. State records in the 1,500M and 5K Powerwalk events as well as the 10K Road Race.
Not to be outdone, SilverArtists nearly doubled last year’s total medal count of nine by picking up 16 medals this year – two gold, 10 silver and four bronze.
To qualify for the State Finals, the artists and athletes medaled during the local competitions.
The Cherokee and Clay County Senior Games were held from the end of April to early May where many qualified for state in a variety of games ranging from powerwalking to shot put to various running events.
The State Finals are optional, but many from across the state choose to go compete and represent their counties.
Michele Preisser won multiple medals and broke multiple local records when she competed earlier this year. She went on to do the same thing at this years State Finals.
Medals from Cherokee and Clay Counties were won in a variety of events.
Cherokee and Clay counties medalists
SilverArts medalists
- Jim Allsopp – Stained Glass gold, Photo digital silver.
- Sandy Benson – Life Experiences, bronze.
- Christine Faries – Woodworking, silver.
- John Gibney – Jewelry, silver.
- Suzan Grinarml – General Fiber Arts, bronze.
- Mike Lalone – Pottery, silver.
- Cathy Mozley – Pastels silver, Sculpture bronze.
- Pamela Palma – Weaving, bronze.
- David Phillips – Woodturning, gold.
- Mary Ricketson – Poetry, silver.
- Steve Riedel – Stained Glass, silver.
- Patricia Singer – Needlework, silver.
- Debra Vanderlaan – Digital Art, silver.
- Bonnie Woontner – Watercolor, silver.
Sports medalists
- Bill Battle, man 65-69 – 1.500M Powerwalk bronze, 5K Powerwalk silver.
- Jane Birchfield, woman 70-74 – Mini golf, bronze
- Debra Bolle, woman 65-69 – 1,500M Powerwalk, 5K Powerwalk, both bronze.
- Faries – man 70-74 – Running Long jump gold, Standing Long Jump silver, 100M Dash gold, 200M Dash gold.
- Ruth Harrell – woman 70-74 – 5K Powerwalk, silver
- Art Hubbard – man 60-64 – 50-yard Backstroke, 500-yard Backstroke, both gold.
- Gary Preisser, man 75-79 – Bocce bronze, Football Throw gold, Mini Golf, gold.
- Michele Preisser, women 65-69 – Mini Golf gold, 800M run bronze, 1500M run silver, 1500M Powerwalk gold, 5K Powerwalk gold, 10K Road Race, gold.
- Hope Reagan, woman 50-54 – 10K Road Race, gold.