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| New Mexico Senior Olympics, Inc. | Summer 2005 |
Nominees for the 2004 Golden Athlete of the Year Award
Four excellent nominations were received in 2004. These were Jean Duncan of Alamogordo, Muretta McMillan of Las Cruces, Monroe Ratchford of Alamogordo, and Ernest Espedal of Anthony.
All four were excellent candidates. A panel of seniors, board members, coordinators, and past winners of the Golden Athlete award were asked to review the nominations and carefully assess their contributions - personal, professional, community, and two fellow seniors.
Only a very few points separated the 2004 Recipients from the other nominees. It is our hope that those that have not received the honor this year and nominees from years past will be nominated again for 2005. NMSO is the first to say we are fortunate to be associated with so many talented and dedicated individuals.
ANNOUNCING
The 2004 Outstanding Golden Athletes of the Year
New Mexico Senior Olympics, Inc. Board of Directors is proud to announce the Outstanding 2004 Male and Female Golden Athletes of the Year.
The Outstanding Female Golden Athlete is Muretta ‘Mert’ McMillan of Las Cruces and Outstanding Male Golden Athlete is Ernest Espedal, of Anthony.
 Muretta
‘Mert’ McMillan of Las Cruces competes in the 70-74 age group
and is a long time tennis competitor, playing almost every day, staying
fit and inspiring her friends to stay active as well. She also plays and
coaches Women’s Volleyball, plays, judges and teaches Shuffleboard, and
conducts monthly pool tournaments. Mert’s multiple Gold Medals
demonstrate her pursuit of excellence and her friends say her tireless
commitment for the past 20 years as both a competitor and an
enthusiastic volunteer has been instrumental in developing the local
Doña Ana County Senior Olympics program and inspiring all those around
her. |
 Ernest Espedal from Anthony,
NM, also competes in the 70-74 age group and is an avid Volleyball
player, Track athlete and Race Walker with multiple Gold Medals in many
events. He has been active in Senior Olympic sports for 16 years
teaching, coaching, and promoting both young and old to be involved and
to excel. He did not enjoy good health until his fifties when he first
started Race Walking and credits his current vitality and high energy
directly to his involvement in Senior Olympic Sports. Ernest is known
for his lanky 6’ 5” frame and his big friendly smile. He is a prime
example of a dedicated sports volunteer. |
The two Golden Athletes will be honored at the 2005 New Mexico Senior Olympic Summer State Games in Albuquerque, August 3-7, during the Opening Ceremonies. They will be presented with commemorative plaques and Golden Athlete Senior Olympic jackets. They will be featured in the summer issue of the Senior Olympic “Flame” newsletter, and in the Senior Olympic Summer State Games Souvenir Booklet.