85-year-old wins Senior Games in racquetball

Published Aug. 6, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Ashlin Federick
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- As a former gymnast, auctioneer and Marine, 85-year-old William Dawkins is a man who has not slowed down with age.

Dawkins won the gold in singles and the silver in doubles July 29, 2013, at the National Senior Games in Cleveland playing racquetball.

Dawkins said he has been playing racquetball since he was 45. One day while he was at the race track racing horses, he ran into a friend who invited him to play racquetball.

"I told him I haven't ever played racquetball before," said Dawkins. "I don't even know what it is. So, I went down with him and got my feet wet. After the first day that was it, I fell in love."

Dawkins now plays racquetball at the gym about three to four times a week.

Dawkins said back in 2007 he wrote a letter to Col. Steven Harrison, former 436th Airlift Wing commander, requesting permission to utilize the base gym to practice racquetball. In exchange, Dawkins was willing to rake leaves, pick up trash and anything else the base needed him to do.

"He told me I was an inspiration to his younger men and he signed me up with a pass with no expiration date," said Dawkins. "I even have a letter he wrote me personally hanging on my wall."

Robert Kelms, Visitor Control Center section supervisor, said Dawkins' unlimited gym pass is unique, but he feels it is worth it because the base will have played a part in his preparation for the upcoming 2013 Senior Olympics.

"For a guy his age he is just a phenomenal man," said Kelms. "He is like a father figure to a lot of people. I have known him since 2007 and he has brought a more positive light to Dover AFB. I hope to be alive at that age; let alone playing racquetball."

Jose Colon, a retired technical sergeant in the Air Force, said he has been playing with Dawkins for seven years.

"It is a pleasure to have a person his age hanging out here and playing with us," said Colon. "We have to modify our game but he is very competitive and surprises you a lot of the time. He is a good player and it is an honor to be able to give him advice on his accomplishments."

Dawkins said it is like a gift from God that he is able to practice at the base gym.

"I am just proud and glad that I can do what I do," said Dawkins. "When I leave for a meet, I don't care where it is, I am a winner before I leave just by being eligible to go. I wouldn't be eligible if it wasn't for Dover AFB and all the boys here."