At age 82, Clarkston resident Louis Folcik is still chasing the tennis ball down at Deer Lake Athletic Club.
The former teacher is just one of many seniors staying active by playing tennis at the club.
‘I always tell people that when I stop playing tennis, that is when you have to worry about me,? Folcik said.
While Folcik has always been playing sports, he came somewhat late to tennis. While a teacher at a correctional facility in California, Folcik started playing tennis at age 48.
‘I wanted to exercise but running was boring to me. I thought about golf but that takes the entire day,? Folcik said. ‘That is why tennis is so great. You can be competitive, get great exercise and it only takes two to three hours.?
Folcik played with a co-worker and enjoyed every minute of it. He was hooked on the game of tennis and pretty soon began working with an instructor to improve his game.
Folcik was learning how to perfect his serve, forehand and backhand.
‘The game was always fun to me but I also wanted to be competitive. If you want to get good at something you need to work at it,? Folcik said.
Soon Folcik was playing four days a week for hours at a time. The teacher would go to the neighborhood courts after work and compete against area players.
Folcik credits those competitions for improving his tennis game.
‘You always get better when you play a variance of people. You have to find a competitor’s strengths and weaknesses. It is a mind game. Some players would put great touch on the ball, while others played a power game,? Folcik said.
Folcik moved to the Clarkston area in 1991 and soon began playing at Deer Lake Athletic Club. He still plays three days a week, and also hits the fitness room to make sure he has the stamina to play tennis.
‘I think it is so cool,? Deer Lake employee Terry Dodge said. ‘I sit and watch Louis and the other players and I am amazed. He knows a lot about the game. He will help me out and critique my game.?
While most are impressed with Folcik for playing tennis at his age, the Clarkston resident always thought it was possible.
‘When I first started out playing in California, a guy named Joe Barry would come out and play and he was in his 80s. Even then I thought, well if he can do it than I can do it,? Folcik said. ‘My wife Evelyn has been very supportive and tells me to go out and have fun playing. That helps a lot.?
While Folcik does not know how much longer he will continue to play, he does not see quitting anytime soon.