Santa Fe, NM – The Territorial Trotters, a 60+ division basketball team, competed fiercely at the 2024 Senior Olympics in Santa Fe but ultimately fell short in a highly competitive field, bringing home the bronze medal. The Road Runners clinched the gold medal, with Glory Days securing silver. Despite the outcome, team members celebrated the camaraderie built through years of friendly competition and shared goals of fitness, resilience, and setting an example for active aging.
The Territorial Trotters team, comprising Mark McCormick, Mike Catozzi, Team Captain Raul Turrieta, Armando Hernandez, and Rob Bradberry, was founded by Turrieta, who assembled players from Arizona and New Mexico. Inspired by Silver City's Territorial Charter, Turrieta has continued to foster a spirit of unity and friendship among senior athletes.
In September, Turrieta also led a 60+ division softball team to compete in Las Cruces, where they brought home a silver medal. This team, a blend of players from Las Cruces, Tucson, and Silver City, also showcased the spirit and determination that has come to define these seasoned athletes.
Both events serve as national qualifiers, allowing the teams to compete in the Senior Olympics national games in Des Moines, Iowa 2025. With eyes set on gold, the Territorial Trotters are already looking ahead to their next challenge in Tucson Arizona in January 2025.
"Playing in these tournaments means more than just winning medals," Turrieta shared. "It's about staying in shape, challenging ourselves, and building lasting friendships. We'll continue to reach for the gold and represent our community with pride."
