Seniors just want to have fun

The annual Carbon County Senior Games kicked off Tuesday with participants reminiscing with old friends, making new ones and hoping to secure their spot in one of the many winners circles over the next six days of competition.

We asked some of this year’s competitors what their strategy is for this year’s competition.

James Gilhool of Jim Thorpe said his strategy is to “Just stay calm.”

Mary Lou Sheehan, Pat Schappell, Barbara Mustacchio and Betty Willet of the Lehighton senior team all agreed that their strategy isn’t focused on competition, rather it’s “just coming out and having fun. We have no strategy.”

Rose Mikulski of the Panther Valley team said her strategy is to “make new friends.”

Judy Walck of Palmerton said, “Do the best you can with a smile.”

Paul Wagner of Weatherly and Dave Getz of Jim Thorpe agreed with the women.

“To have fun,” was Wagner’s strategy.

Getz said, “I’m just here to have fun. It’s my fifth year and it’s great. It’s also my wife’s first year. I hope everyone has fun.”

The Carbon County Senior Games continues through May 8 and will conclude on May 9 at Whispering Pines Banquet Hall in Penn Forest Township, Jim Thorpe.