Tennis: Going for the Gold at National Senior Games
Auburn tennis player gets ready to compete in the National Senior Games for the fifth time
By David Figura
This summer, Bob Connor will be competing in tennis at the National Senior Games for the fifth time.
“The fun part for me is seeing how I stack up against other tennis players my age from across the country. And just being there is inspiring,” said the 67-year-old Auburn resident.
The mission of the National Senior Games, which are held every other year, is to “promote the benefits of competitive sports, physical fitness and active aging to adults ages 50-plus.”
The games bring together more than 11,000 participants aged 50-100+ to compete in more than 25 individual and team sports.
This year’s games are set for July 24 – Aug. 4 in Des Moines, Iowa.
During the past 10 years, Connor has participated in singles and doubles competitions at National Senior Games held in Birmingham, Alabama; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
His best finish to date was at the 2023 Pittsburgh games. He and his doubles partner, Zeke Unobagha, of Manlius, took the bronze medal in their age group (65-69). Unobagha will not be going to Des Moines this year due to a scheduling conflict.
“In his place will be my wife, Robyn,” said Connor.
Since Robyn is 63, she and her husband will be playing in the mixed doubles division of players aged 60-65. Connor will be competing in the singles division for players ages 65-69.
The wide range of athletes at the games — their sports and their ages — is really eye-opening, Connor said.
“I once met a woman in an elevator who told me she was 77. Her sport? She threw the javelin,” he said. “You get all sorts. I met some 3-on-3 basketball players who were in their 80s. You should see these guys. They rarely miss a shot. And you have folks in their 90s playing tennis.”
Apart from tennis, Connor works for Marsh McClennan, a firm specializing in commercial insurance and risk management. He is a managing director and territory leader for the Upstate New York region.
He got his start in tennis when he was 11 years old, taking lessons offered by the Auburn Parks and Recreation program.
While in high school, Connor was Section III singles champion in both his junior and senior years and years later was inducted into the Auburn High School Sports Hall of Fame.
After high school, he played all four years at Alma College in Michigan and for years afterward until the present day has played in various United States Tennis Association leagues, along with competing in numerous tournaments.
The following are excerpts from a recent interview with Connor.
Q: Why do you remain so passionate about tennis?
A: First of all, it’s been the friendships and relationships I’ve built over the years. I can’t say enough about that. There are still some active players in the Syracuse and CNY area that I’ve played with or against for the past 50 years. Then there have been all the competitions-tournaments, with all the great memories and lessons learned. And finally, I just love playing. I’ll keep it up as long as I can walk and hit a tennis ball.
Q: How does one qualify in tennis for the National Senior Games?
A: In New York’s case, you have to medal [finish in the top three in your event/category] in the Empire State Games, which are held each year in Cortland. During the 2024 competition, I took the gold in singles (for my age group (65-69) and Robyn and I took the gold in mixed doubles in the (60-64) division.
Q: Who was the most influential person in your life when it comes to tennis?
A: There are so many people I’ve met over the years years who have been incredible mentors. One in particular, though, was Bill Huther, legendary Auburn High School coach. He was there during the 1960s and ‘70s. He had a major impact on a lot of people. He was all about sportsmanship. Bill is no longer alive. In his honor, five years ago my wife and I, several of his family members [(Carol, Erika and Kevin] and other generous members of the local tennis community started an annual tournament in his name that takes place the third weekend of August at the Auburn High School courts. We call it “The Coach” Men’s and Women’s Doubles Tournament, with proceeds going toward the William S. Huther Scholarship Fund. The money raised goes toward two $2,500 scholarships handed out each year to two deserving Auburn High School seniors pursuing college studies in the field of education.
Q: I hear you’re also involved in a tennis-related non profit that helps young people. Talk about that.
A: I helped spearhead the formation of Auburn Community Tennis, a nonprofit that for the past five years has offered a tennis summer camp at the high school. We got some grant money from the USTA. With the help of the Auburn tennis coach [Shelly Connors] and another great area player, [Claire Minnoe], we offer free tennis lessons three days a week in the morning to youngsters. Last year, we had 130 kids participating.
Q: You mentioned that tennis has had in impact on your business career, your life in general. How?
A: I’m in a very competitive business. You experience a lot of highs and lows. You have to learn gracefully how to act when you win. But losing sometimes can be the best lesson in life. When things aren’t going your way in a tennis match (or in business), you learn to try to change things up a bit. And if you end up losing, it’s best to sit back and think about what you can do differently next time. That correlates to a lot of other things in life.
Q: What are your thoughts on pickleball?
A: I’m very pro-pickleball or any sport that gets you moving. Pickleball is fun, an easy sport to pick up and it’s obviously the rage lately. It’s huge at the Senior Games. Also, you have former tennis greats such as John McEnroe, Andre Agassi, Steffi Graff and others playing it. Personally, I prefer tennis to pickleball because I’ve been playing tennis for so long, but I do enjoy playing pickleball occasionally.
Q: What do you do to stay in shape? Had any serious injuries over the years?
A: Over the past few years, I’ve tried strength training. But I haven’t been as disciplined as I should be. During my 40s and 50s, I ran three marathons and did several half marathons. Today I still do some running, walking and just try to stay active, moving. I try to play tennis at least three times a week. As for injuries, during my first Senior Games in Birmingham, Alabama, I ripped my Achilles tendon. I had to have surgery and it took me about a year to recover.
Q: What’s your advice to the 55-plus age crowd about getting started in tennis?
A: CNY has a very robust tennis presence and there are several great places with indoor courts to take lessons and play. In the greater Syracuse area, you have Elevate Fitness in Liverpool and DeWitt; the YMCA in Manlius, Drumlins Country Club at Syracuse University and Champions for Life in Auburn. Apart from just playing on outdoor public courts, you also have a number of USTA leagues locally for all ages and levels of ability. All you need to get started is a tennis racquet, a pair of sneakers and a can of tennis balls.