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Granny Globetrotters stay young while on the court
by Heather M. Smith, Staff writer
Basketball coach Kay Seamayer gathered her players on the court for a warm-up of chest pass drills and jogging in place, the women on the team are preparing for an up-coming appearance.
“I’ve always liked basketball; I like watching pro and college level and this helps to understand more of the game,” said Plano resident and team member Elizabeth Weissenborn, 78. “It’s fun, good exercise and it keeps me moving. I’m having fun playing with this group; I love being on the team.”
The women range in age from 50 to 92. Seamayer founded Basketball and Fitness for Senior Women, which is a non-profit organization that provides a program of fitness and competitive basketball for senior women in the Dallas area three years ago.
In the past, the women have participated in WNBA exhibition games, the 2007 Senior Olympics and Dallas Mavericks exhibition games. In January, the Granny Globetrotters were the special guests of the Harlem Globetrotters at the American Airlines Center. For Seamayer this was a reunion. In 1959 she appeared in a pre-game show of the Globetrotters in Houston while playing with a state championship team. The Granny Globetrotters received a bid to perform in the 2010 Globetrotter show upon their return to Dallas.
The women are broken up into three teams: Texas All-Stars for player 65 and older, Texas Comets for players 75 and older and Texas Challenge for players 80 and older. At this time the group is still building their 50-64-year-old age bracket.
Plano resident and team member Shelly Whitlock, 69, said that after recent publicity, more people came to practices to learn about the team. She said within the last few weeks 10 new people have joined. Whitlock is the coach for the 70 and up team; she said she enjoys the camaraderie that comes along with being on the team.
“Last week we had about 23 people come -- we always take new people,” Whitlock said. “Most people that walk in the door are athletic and this is a great way to stay in shape.”
Prior to learning about Granny Globetrotters, Princeton resident Betty Alexander, 64, dreamed of getting back on the court. She played basketball in high school, but because of a lack in scholarships, she wasn’t able to play in college. Alexander said she was prepared to travel as far as Louisiana, where she found a senior’s team, in order to play basketball again. When she discovered the local Dallas team three months ago she said she was excited.
“I just love it; I played basketball from sixth through 12th grade,” Alexander said. “I’m so excited to have a team out of Dallas.”
Plano resident Doris Von Glahn, 76, is also a former high school and college basketball player. She said she saw a story about the Granny Globetrotters in the paper and thought it was made for her.
“The camaraderie of the people is amazing. They are so accepting and nice,” VonGlahn said.
Seamayer teaches her players key basketball skills that help with their hand-eye coordination. She advises her players to practice seriously in order to play seriously. Seamayer said anyone is welcome to join; skill level ranges from novice to a former basketball coach.
“I think this is a very exciting program,” Seamayer said. “We’ll continue to grow and serve women and seniors.”
For information visit www.basketballandfitnessforseniorwomen.com
Contact Heather Smith at Hsmith@acnpapers.com.
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