STC’s Gary Stithem
Jay Clayton Wilson
Gary Stithem was a mainframe programmer for a major financial institution who hails from Denver, Colorado and Moab, Utah out in the Canyon Lands. From a young age his goal in life was not related solely to the IBM mainframe. It was to become a player on a USTA team at the Nationals level. It took 19 years of dedicated play for him to finally reach that goal.
Here is the path he took. Gary played four sports in high school before attending the Colorado State University. He won the gold medal in the Corporate Games Table Tennis Championships. But he did not take up tennis until the late 80s when he joined USTA leagues where he competed on three men’s teams and two mixed doubles teams. That is where he accomplished what he describes as his life goal, playing in the USTA Nationals.
Gary found his way to SaddleBrooke via an online search. He found his retirement pot of gold when he drove over the hill and looked down at our athletically oriented community. In retirement he is not merely resting on his laurels as a USTA player. Gary is expanding his game to higher levels of confidence by taking lessons from one of STC’s six teaching pros, Chris Madsen. His opponents are beginning to suffer the consequence of his fierce forehand and an ever improving backhand.
Tennis exertion isn’t enough for him. When he leaves the sweaty tennis court he goes directly to the fitness center for a hard workout. After that you might find him playing Duplicate Bridge or dancing to western swing music with Jean, his wife. Incidentally, Jean has excelled in arts and crafts for more than 30 years.
So many activities bespeak of a man who is taking full advantage of the STC model where there is a dedication to health and wellbeing in retirement. Many times he can be found hitting on one of the STC ball machines. It is wonderful to have Gary Stithem as a good tennis buddy. But look out for his forehand.
Feel the difference—. A SaddleBrooke Tennis Club membership goes far beyond an exceptional teaching staff and facilities. Your membership connects you to a dynamic community of people who genuinely care about your health and athletic performance. Learn about some of the membership benefits of the STC at this link: https://youtu.be/ULWTnVKXz3Y.