Wednesday, November 5, 2008

What Are Your Plans for the Next Decade or Two?



Okay, I feel much younger now. And, no matter how old you are, the following story will probably make you feel better about your age and abilities as well.

The story is from Tennessee. Ken Mink, a 73-year-old full-time student at Roane State Community College scored two points Monday night in his school’s 93-42 victory over King College’s junior varsity. Mink entered the game with about 16 minutes left in the second half and attempted one shot in about three minutes. Seven minutes later, he went back in the game, was fouled and made two free throws.

“I found myself on the free-throw line 52 years after my last college game,” Mink said. “I said, ‘Just relax and shoot it like you know how to all day long.’ I just floated the shots in there. I’m in the books now. I can relax a little bit.”

Mink, of Knoxville, Tennessee, last played college basketball 52 years ago at Lees College in Jackson, Kentucky. After someone soaped the basketball coach’s office, he lost his spot on the team and was expelled. Mink still says he didn’t do it.

Last year, after shooting baskets at a neighbor’s house, he wrote to several area colleges, and Roane State coach Randy Nesbit agreed to give him a chance. Mink has practiced regularly with the team since school began in August.

So, do you feel better now?

I wonder what I will be doing at 72.

I hope I’m still living, first of all!

Then, I hope I’m still learning! And maturing! And growing! And shooting baskets! Well, I’ve never been very good at basketball. I hope I’m enjoying life as much as Mr. Mink seems to be.

5 comments:

  1. Wow! And no, I don't feel better. I've had more than my fair share of surgeries, including 3 shoulder reconstructions (hopefully 3rd time's the charm), so I WISH I could be as spry as Mr. Mink, but sports "activity" has been limited to what I can watch.

    Hopefully, I'll still be able to walk at 72!! :D

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  2. Will...I understand...and can appreciate all you've gone through...I hope you are doing FAR better than just being able to walk...who knows, you might just get drafted by your favorite baseball team as a pitcher! :)

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  3. Steve: I play ball in high school and college. I now pay the price for that and for playing much longer after grad than I should have. I applaud Mr. Mink for this grit. If I am walking at his age I will consider it a miracle. :)

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  4. Will...Bill...you guys are just sad! :)

    You've got to have higher goals than that! C'mon guys...where's your spunk? Your get up and go spirit?

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  5. I dreamed one time that Pat Summitt recruited me to play for the Lady Vols. :) That was cool.



    But, SCARY.

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Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I can't wait to read what you have written.