HOUSTON, TX---Fielding grounders at shortstop and throwing high-arcing pitches from the mound began as a teenager for Houston native Robert Roenigk.
Nearly eight decades later, the resident of Eagle's Trace retirement community is still going strong in the sport he loves: softball.
Mr. Roenigk, 88, continues to compete in the National Division of the Harris County Senior Softball League, where he has played, coached and made friends for thirty-three years.
The game has taken Mr. Roenigk, a retired consulting actuary, throughout the country. "I've entered tournaments from Detroit to Las Vegas in all kinds of weather. Locally, we even played in an event sponsored by the Houston Chronicle when the temperature was just 28 degrees," recalled Mr. Roenigk.
Married to his wife of sixty-three years, Georgie, Mr. Roenigk played in church leagues before joining the Harris County Senior Softball League. This year, his team is sponsored by Eagle's Trace.
The league offers year-round slow-pitch softball for men and women over the age of fifty.
For the Eagle's Trace squad, Mr. Roenigk serves as the pitcher. "I've always said the key to being a good pitcher is to throw strikes and learn to defend your position well," noted Mr. Roenigk, who even substitutes for other teams by playing in the outfield.
To stay in shape for year-round softball, Mr. Roenigk is a stalwart in the fitness center at Eagle's Trace. He rotates cardio and weight machine work for his six-day per week regimen.
In 2012, Mr. Roenigk received the ultimate honor, earning induction into the Texas Senior Softball Hall of Fame. Established in 2001, the Hall recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions to the success of senior softball in the state of Texas.
"I truly enjoy the camaraderie of being on a team and the thrill of competition. Softball is a great form of exercise, and I intend to keep at it as long as I can," said Mr. Roenigk.
About Eagle's Trace: Eagle's Trace is one of eighteen continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living. Located in Houston, Texas, the scenic 70-acre campus is home to more than 650 residents. Eagle's Trace is the ideal greater Houston retirement destination offering a true sense of community, convenience beyond compare and a sensible financial structure.
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