8 minute read
2022 OK SR. Games
2022 OKlahoma Senior Games
By Lisa Sydnor
The Peters family is an amazing example of the benefits of exercise, socializing, being active, resilient, and productive at all stages of life. The siblings excel in their chosen sports and participate in Oklahoma Senior Games for different, yet same, reasons.
When asked why they participate in the Oklahoma Senior Games there were varied responses; competition, socialization, exercise, purpose, staying fit, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, feeling younger, and resilience. A competitive spirit and resilient nature are usually contributing factors that keep you pushing forward when you think you have maxed out. It is a spark, a light, to keep you striving for excellence. For the Peters siblings, “all of the above and more” are their reasons for participating in the Oklahoma Senior Games.
Regina Peters Stewart, 65 years, clarified her motivation, saying: “I want to stay active, busy, be productive, feel younger and be healthy.” Regina has always been a tomboy; ready to take on any challenge her brothers threw at her, then and now. Track and field is her sport of choice. There were no sports programs in high school for girls when Regina was in school. No opportunity to earn an athletic college scholarship. Regina persevered; earning an associate degree from Rose State College; attending Oklahoma University for one year, finally, at the age of 40, she earned her degree in Organizational Leadership from Southern Nazarene University.
Regina does some form of exercise daily. Competition is in her blood. She makes choices every day to be healthy, and promote personal wellness. Oklahoma had no Senior Games organization so Regina traveled out of state to participate in
Senior Games and qualified for National Senior Games for two years. In 2016, Regina organized four Peters family teams to compete in the Sooner State Games in Sulphur. The all-female relay teams were comprised of her two daughters, five nieces, and three cousins. Regina’s team won first and second place in the races. In 2015, she organized and created Oklahoma Senior Games (OSG). She continues to serve as President of the organization.
Tony Peters, 69 years, former Oklahoma University (OU) & National Football League (NFL) football player, said of his reasons for participating, “It’s my competitive nature, gives me purpose and keeps me active, keeps my spirits up. It is important to stay engaged; I believe we should go as long as we are mentally and physically able.” Tony has a teaching certification with a degree in Social Studies. He teaches history and government; as well as coaching football at a Tulsa High School.
Tony played football at OU under Barry Switzer and was part of the 1974 team winning a National Championship. Later he played in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns. He was a Washington Redskins for ten years and played in Super Bowl XVII and in the Pro Bowl in 1982.
Golf is his sport now. He has a handicap of six. According to Google (yes, I know nothing about golf!) that is a pretty good handicap. He often plays in Celebrity Golf Tournaments.
Terry Peters, 67 years, also a former OU & NFL football player, agreed with Tony saying, “It’s that competition! We are very competitive and staying active and healthy are critical.”
Terry was State Champion in Hurdles; qualified to run track at the 1973 Olympic Trials and received over 100 college scholarship offers. Terry went to North Texas University for three (3) weeks when he got a call saying, “Barry wants you.” “Goodbye Texas, Hello OU” where he was on National Championship teams in 1974 and 1975 and named MVP of the Fiesta Bowl in 1976! Terry earned a degree in Physiology and Education. He left college in 1978, returning in 1992 to complete his degree. In the late 1990s, he served as assistant athletic director under Steve Owens.
Terry played in the NFL with the Denver Broncos; in Canadian football for the Montreal Alouettes, and then for the United States Football League. For the past 25 years, he has been a partner in a company in the gaming industry.
Terry plays golf with an eight handicap. He stated, “Staying active, playing in Celebrity Tournaments, being in Oklahoma Senior Games, keeps me psychologically prepared, physically in shape, and ready to compete.”
Karl Peters, 62 years, who was a high school track and football; in college concentrated on football, stated, “Due to a significant sports injury, I do not take my physical health for granted. Staying active and fit is essential to a healthy lifestyle and to my mental and physical health.” Karl played football at OU where he sustained injuries that ended his football career.
Karl completed his college education, earning a degree in Human Resources. He worked in Albertson’s management for ten years before going to UPS where he has been for
more than 30 years. Karl feels staying fit – at whatever level you can achieve –is imperative both mentally and physically. He found an avenue to continue his involvement in football by coaching high school teams. He also shared his time and talent as a volunteer little league coach. As a golfer, he continues to participate in tournaments and in Oklahoma Senior Games.
Tony, Terry, Regina and Karl Peters grew up in the Pauls Valley, OK area. Life has not always been easy. That’s where resilience has provided the ability to persevere and continue to work toward goals. The Peters family has a built-in support system. Yes, they compete with each other, but they also support and stand beside each other; that’s their story. It began when they were very young and continues to sustain them as older adults.
According to a study by Psychology Today, what we have seen in recent years is a high rate of resilience among older adults. Resilience is defined as the psychological quality that allows some people to be knocked down by the adversities of life and come back at least as strong as before. Rather than letting difficulties, traumatic events, or failure overcome them and
Today health is defined by wellness and physical capacities. Wellness is defined as the active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. Wellness is more than being free from illness. It is a dynamic process of change and growth. Simply stated, we are responsible for our own well-being. We make choices every day to support this well-being or to undermine it. Make choices to move your body as much as possible; expand your social sphere; eat right; drink right; do not use tobacco, alcohol, or other addictive products; challenge your mind with positivity – take care of yourself.
The National Wellness Institute defines wellness as “a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving your full potential.” The Peters family lives and epitomizes the definition of wellness. Oklahoma Senior Games supports not just health but wellness and encourages everyone to strive to achieve their full potential.
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It has been mentioned that the siblings are competitive; that’s an understatement. In 2017, the Peters family reunion presented a perfect opportunity for Regina’s daughter, Stephanie Peters, to organize the First Peters Olympics; more than 40 family members participated in the Olympics. Tony, Terry, Carl, and Regina’s team won first place in three different events. The Peters family is an example of not just health, but wellness. Let’s all take a lesson from their playbook and truly strive for wellness.
Have you ever considered participating in Oklahoma Senior Games? What about archery, cycling, water walking, golf, line dance, golf croquet, cornhole, track & field, race walk, power walk, basketball, table tennis, pickleball, shuffleboard, swimming, bowling, and the options go on. More than 700 participants are expected at Oklahoma Senior Games being held in Bixby, El Reno, Lawton, Moore, Muskogee, Norman, Oklahoma City, Owasso, Perry, Shawnee, Tulsa, and Yukon in September-October, 2022. See you at the OKLAHOMA SENIOR GAMES!
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