Mike Moser "I Say" Published Oct. 7, 2005

Liskovec talks about athletes 50 to 93

Eddie Liskovec has a passion for running ... and jumping ... and tossing things around ... which might be surprising to those who don't know the Cumberland Countian who is past his mid-70s.

The proof is in the pudding, some say, and Eddie is walking evidence of what exercise can do for the AARP crowd - he was training for competition two weeks after having two stints implanted to assist his heart that seven years earlier underwent four bypasses.

Liskovec is a medal-winning senior olympian, and this week he visited the Crossville Breakfast Rotary Club to not only talk about his recent successes at the 2005 Summer National Senior Games, but to also extol the virtues of exercise at any age, especially for senior citizens.

And he encourages you to consider participating in the Senior Games.

Eddie was one of thousands of senior athletes who descended on Pittsburgh this summer to participate in the national competition. If you don't think the games are big, consider this: the athletes left a $35 million impact on the Pittsburgh economy.

Over 10,000 athletes came from every state in the country, the District of Columbia and Canada. The ranged in ages 50 to 103. Tennessee had the fourth largest delegation at the games.

The senior games were created to encourage physical fitness among the nation's senior population. "Many of the athletes didn't start training until they were 60 years old," Liskovec noted. "It is all about being healthier."

Today, those like Liskovec who compete are not only healthier, but they are truly athletes.
Eddie marvels at the times turned in by 70-year-old runners in the 100-meter race. Some could beat most high school runners, he said. "And when you consider they have to work harder to get where they are, that is something," he notes.

Liskovec also marvels at the camaraderie among those competing. "Sure, we are all competing but when the race is over, everyone comes over and congratulates you or gives you a hug because they know how hard it was to get there," he continued.

Anyone wishing to learn more about the Senior Games can contact Liskovec. He would be happy to talk to you about participating. Also, contact the Fair Park Senior Center for additional info. Sign-up for the upcoming games should be announced in March.

WHAT'S BEING DONE
ABOUT COOK ROAD?
Stone Memorial High School should be ready to open next year. Will Cook Road be ready to take on the burden of additional traffic?

The question of what is being done to address anticipated traffic woes in the area of the new high school was addressed to me this week and I simply do not know the answer.

I do know that Cook Rd. is anything but a quiet ride in the country. The opening of Stone Elementary School and Roane State Community College saw a dramatic increase in traffic on this country road.

When the new high school opens next fall, the traffic will double, maybe increase more. So what are we doing to address this issue? Is it just lip service at this point or is something actually taking place?

I would hate to think we are going to wait until the school opens and then be faced with the same nightmare I have to travel every morning in the area of Martin Elementary and Cumberland County High School.

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Mike Moser is the editor of the Crossville Chronicle. His column is published periodically on Fridays.