Running with the Wind

When it comes to retirement, George Freeman of Cobleskill, N.Y., (pop. 6,407) isn’t just sitting on his laurels—he’s earning new ones. Husband and father, farmer, former guidance counselor and cross-country running coach, this dynamic 70-year-old has competed in every National Senior Games-Senior Olympics since their inception in 1987.

Promoting winter sports in the even-numbered years, summer sports in the odd-numbered, the games offer men and women, ages 50 and older, a chance to compete in five-year age increments for Senior Olympian medals.

“The games are well-organized and fun,” Freeman says, “but competition is stiff. Participants must win medals in their home states first in order to qualify. I’m just a middle-of-the-packer, but my claim to fame is that I’ve participated in every single national game, winter and summer, since 1987. Very few people can say that.”

Freeman’s love of competition keeps him returning each year with Cathy, his wife of 42 years. Although she doesn’t compete, Cathy enjoys visiting places such as St. Louis, Baton Rouge, San Antonio, Orlando, and Tucson—cities where games have been held.

Freeman trains year-round, varying his activities daily. In winter, he straps on aerobic snowshoes or cross-country skis and heads out across the rolling fields of his 200-acre farm. In fair weather he often runs a 4.5-mile country “block.”

“George Freeman is the most versatile athlete I know,” says fellow competitor and longtime friend John Hurley, retired girl’s cross-country coach at nearby Oneonta State College. “He runs, bikes, swims, canoes, golfs, bowls, snowshoes, skis. George is an indomitable athlete, forever competing against himself and the clock. He’s friendly, great fun, and always willing to help others, even his rivals,” Hurley says.

In the 2001 Summer National Senior Games in Baton Rouge, Freeman competed in bowling, the 1,500-meter walk, and the 5K race/walk. In the 2002 winter games, he’ll snowshoe and cross-country ski. Looking further ahead, he plans to run the Boston Marathon (his sixth time) with daughter Susan in April 2002.

“Too many people are old in their heads and hearts,” Freeman says. “I tell folks to develop activities and interests so they can look ahead. You can’t change yesterday, but you can change today and tomorrow. It’s all in your attitude.

“Five years ago my wife beat ovarian cancer,” Freeman reflects, “and this year she beat colon cancer. Cathy has a great attitude. She’s always thinking about what she’s going to do tomorrow.”

Since boyhood, Freeman has dreamed of flying. Three years ago he earned his pilot’s license. Twice a week now, weather-permitting, he takes to the skies.

When asked if he’s a local legend, Freeman chuckles. “Not at all. People around here are pretty low-key about my success.” Legend or not, after 33-years as a guidance counselor at Cobleskill High School and nine years as its cross-country coach, he’s well-known, well-liked, and respected in his community.

Freeman just turned 70 Sept. 4, making him eligible for a new competitive age group, putting him at “the top-of-the-heap in the 70-plus category,” he beams.

“South Dakota’s games take place right after my birthday. Since I already hold a record there in the 800-meter walk, I plan to return this year and try to set a record in the 70-plus category.”

And speaking of birthdays, for years now Freeman has celebrated his special day with a unique blend of athleticism and community-service fund raising through pledges in a one-man golf marathon at the local golf course.

“Years ago, in honor of several coaches I had in high school, I raised money for a senior prize to the school’s most dedicated athlete. This year, I’m going to raise money with my golf routine for Cobleskill’s First Night and July Fourth celebrations.”

When asked how many medals he’s won, the ever-talkative Freeman is suddenly silent. “I honestly have no idea,” he murmurs, scanning the scores of ribbons, medals, and trophies that adorn his cozy farmhouse.

His bright eyes crinkle mischievously. “But I could count them, if you’d like.”

Wendy Hobday Haugh, a freelance writer and piano teacher, lives in Burnt Hills, NY.

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