Masters athlete Keith Mathis, 55, Reisterstown, Maryland, a commissioner with the Maryland Senior Olympics and member of the Potomac Valley Track Club said, “When I turned 50, I decided to take measures to improve my overall physical health. I started working out and began competing in Masters and Senior Track & Field competitions on a local, regional and national basis. After returning from Orono with my first national medals, I mentioned the accomplishment to my friend Dr. Dan Mosheim a Maryland State Delegate and like myself a member of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore where we both work out. He indicated he would like to promote physical fitness among the adult population, and along with Senator Bobby Zirkin also a JCC member, he arranged for 16 Maryland medal winners to be honored.”

16 athletes from across the state ranging in age from 40-76 were recognized in front of the legislature with friends and relatives looking on. Keith Mathis further said, “I hope this will serve to encourage adults of all ages to pursue a healthy lifestyle, engage in physical activities and stay active. As we say at the Maryland Senior Olympics “To participate is to win.”

Among the Masters Athletes honored for medals won in events such as the long jump, high jump, triple jump, hammer throw, pole vault, sprints, pentathlon etc. were Donna Barrett, Marcus Battle, Joseph Bruno Jr., Ashley Childs, Jim Kenney, Keith Mathis, Bob Paulsen, Oscar Peyton, Dr. Tomlinson Rauscher, Dr. James Stookey, Tracey Berryman-Singleton, Jerry Bookin-Weiner, Russ White, Glen Whiteley, Mary Pat Whiteley and Albert Williams. Also recognized from the floor of the House of Delegates was Maryland Senior Olympics executive director Ted Wroth and Montgomery County Department of Recreation division chief Robin Riley.