Sunday, July 8, 2012

Viper Ray

Welcome to the world of my dad. At 75 years young he is a tailback for the Louisiana Bayou Vipers, a semi-pro football team in the Southern Spring Football League. Not his first rodeo, he was previously on the Hammond Headhunters and I think another team that I've forgotten the name of (he's hard to keep up with!).

He proudly carried the ball in the first play of the game last night against the Brookhaven Tri-County Heroes. The Vipers emerged the victor, 32-15.

Of course I was on the sidelines with Mabel II.

Border Photoshop action by Steve Rich of Another "Rich" Collectible
Thanks, Lisa and Evelyn for introducing me to this action. I love it!

Game face, aka Losing Face (the Vipers were behind during the first half of the game)




Finally, a score for the Vipers!

I like this shot because of the players whizzing by

After the game they're all smiles.
L-R: Coach, daddy, team owner

IF YOU ELECT ME I'LL SET THE RETIREMENT AGE AT 55!
LET RAY SHOW YOU THE WAY!

My dad—a policeman and later lieutenant for the Baton Rouge Police Force—has a long list of accomplishments: he was published in a hunting magazine; mentioned in a book called Race and Democracy: The Civil Rights Struggle in Louisiana, 1915-1972; won numerous gold medals at the Senior Olympics; played competitive tennis; won 2nd place in a local art contest. I'm sure I've left something out, but as I said before, I can't keep up!

Hope this inspires YOU to do something great! I'd love to hear about other senior citizens who ignore their physical age and approach life with the same gusto. Go dad!

31 comments:

the wild magnolia said...

Oh yeah, I am impressed and encouraged. Thanks for sharing.

TexWisGirl said...

holy sh*t, gail! sorry, but that's all i can say! d*mn! :)

Lisa Gordon said...

ARE YOU KIDDING ME GAIL????
All I can say is, this is one amazing man, and I am sure that all this activity is what keeps him young (and so young-looking). Bless his heart!

Love, love, love the 4th image here. That really says is all.

Wishing you a wonderful beginning to your week!
xo.

P.S. Love the way you used Colored Canvass here.

Anonymous said...

Very impressive!! I'm inspired!! How fortunate you are to have such a great example!

Deanna said...

I was waiting for this, hoping that Dad didn't collapse in the game, but it looks like he came out on top. Wow, listing all of his accomplishments is really something, as you say, it is hard to keep up. About the only thing my parents did, both in their 80's when it happened was score a hole in one on the golf course. Great series of pics!!!

Kathy said...

Your dad is awesome! What a wonderful role model to have had all your life!

Shug said...

Well....I am happily surprised about this post today...How old is your dad? or did I miss that somewhere?
I can't wait to show this post to my (athletic director/head football coach) son-in-law....Big Rah's for your dad!! He is great and I'm proud of him...
thanks for sharing gail..
hugs

Shug said...

Duh...I just re-read to Sam and I see that your dad is 75 years young...
Sam loved this post..

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

What an inspirational post. Your dad is quite a guy.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

I am impressed! Wow. You've got good genes girl!

Anonymous said...

Your dad is amazing!
These are great shots too!

hootnonny said...

Your dad must be a super hero to tolerate a football game in this awful heat!

Maybe his story will send me to the Y this week!

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

He is one outstanding handsome and talented man. I know you have got to be popping buttons.

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Your Dad is amazing! So active and fit for 75, and quite a list of life accomplishments - a great heritage for you also.

Justine said...

wow these are so good! it is so american to me being a brit! I am obsessed with friday night lights and it's probably completely different but I just love this whole theme!

Christine said...

How wonderful! Three cheers for your awesome dad. I just love stories like this; I know you're very proud of him!

Rosemary Aubut said...

Wow Gail such an impressive post and your dad looks so handsome!

Michelle said...

Wow...way to go Dad!!!!!!!!! Consider me incredibly impressed, and please tell him I said that. :)

Starla said...

Very impressive!! There is a reason your father looks so young! Young at heart and spirit will always make you young in body!!

Anonymous said...

Your dad rocks!

Charlotte Wilson said...

What a truly Macho Man! Is he also Italian?

♥charlotte

beth said...

wow wow wow....your dad amazes me.
he is absolutely terrific and handsome !!!.....and that tight end.....well, hmmmm. i'm telling you, 75 is just a number !!

Anonymous said...

Wow!! He does indeed inspire me!! How awesome, Gail!! Go, Vipers!!

Dave said...

Good for your Dad Gail. He's a real go-getter - Dave

Hilary said...

Wow.. what a man. Very accomplished, indeed. And he look incredibly young for 75. Even Beth is ogling his behind. ;)

Tricia said...

WOW!! I'm so impressed. He sounds like quite the guy :)

Rosie Grey said...

Yay for your Dad, Gail!! This is so gorgeous!

Unknown said...

Well, all I can say is "wow".
Great going, Dad!

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...

Sheesh! We're all impressed. I just called my hubby and best friend over to look at your post and read. Man, what a great go-getter. BTW, we were at a little church in Hammond called New Beulah Baptist many MANY years ago while we were in seminary in NOLA. We made that long ride twice a week, but loved the people there.

septembermom said...

I told my oldest son to get up and see this post! We are both very impressed with your dad!! That is awesome. He is an inspiration. He looks great in his uniform too!