"Don Hughes has been a member of the club since the beginning and has had improving results for eight years now. For example he has had two meets in the 56 lb. weight throw this year over 6.80m at the age of 66, which is the second best throw ever by an athlete 66. This is 2 full meters better than he was throwing when he was 60. Through extensive weightlifting and mastering the technique of the 56 lb. weight throw he has improved with age. In 1999 he was 3rd in the National Masters Championships in the 56 lb. weight throw and the 25 lb. weight throw.
Don was for the most part Scottish Games thrower, but they have a system of what they call masters, for 50 and over. It is almost impossible for an athlete 66 to compete with a 50 year old. This has been a reason for Don going from that sport to Track & Field, which is set up in 5 year age groups in 40-44,45-49,50-54,55-59...on and on, no limit, so people basically the same age are competing against each other, it gives an athlete a reason to stay active and compete. It is much pride, especially for Don. Other athletes who do not spend the time in the weight room to train and do the conditioning work he does, are getting injured and in so much pain, they can not compete anymore. Don trains hard and he's getting better than ever. It's incredible!"
Words from his friend in Sport, Track &
Field/Highland Games competitor, Michael North, California:
"I first met Don "Rooney" Hughes in 1993 at
the Dunsmuir House Highland Games in Oakland, CA, USA. That first
impression was a lasting, and an accurate one. He had a large smile on
his face and greeted me as if I had been a life-long friend. He has been
like that ever since. He always has a smile ready and treats people with
respect. That alone would make him a fine person. In addition, he is a
true athlete.
It was several years before I discovered Rooney's
age. He informs me that he is now over 65! From his performances,
I would have guessed much younger.
Since I have known him, he has been involved
with coaching college athletes at Stanford University, competing in Track
and Field events and competing in the Scottish Highland Games.
Of all the various events, he seems most ready
for the challenge of the Farmer's Walk. For those who do not know
this event, an athlete picks up metal "suitcases", one in each hand, and
walks around pylons set 50 or 100 feet apart until exhaustion. The tough
part is the suitcases normally weigh 150 lb each! The ones in use at the
Scottish American Athletic Association events weigh about 170 lb each.
Just deadlifting these is tough for most people. Rooney is 65 and is able
to walk a considerable distance in this event.
His other accomplishments include his attack
on the 56lb weight throw for his age group. He is very close and is determined
to take the record.
His greatest accomplishment though is his
personality. He accepts new athletes with an eagerness to see them reach
ever
higher goals. He is a great coach and has helped me overcome my transition
from motor sports to strength athletics. He is a good friend."
From his faithful companion, Maureen Kay, California:
"Don is a stubborn coot. I say that in a loving
way. He works hard and he trains hard. I'd say that the strength training
is his life, his passion. He also enjoys working at Stanford University.
It's very challenging for him. It's been a lifelong dream of his to be
affiliated with a University like Stanford. He really enjoys helping the
student athletes achieve their potential as far as training goes. They
appreciate having him around."
From his friend in Sport Magne Føleide,
Florø, Norway:
"Blond hair, blue eyes shining of friendship!
He has Norwegian blood!
When I met Don at Stanford in March, I noticed
him looking at me and my Norwegian student. Don hit the tone when we trained
in the weightroom at the University, and it didn't take long before we
made great contact. He is one of the greatest guys I have ever met in my
career, and I hope to to build the friendship stronger. In my Team, Florø
Turn & IF, he is wished welcome by all of us, as a member with all
rights. I look forward to meet Don again, and hope he will soon visit us
in Florø. He is an excellent model for all the contents in strength
athletics!"
From Heidi Kristiansen, Norway:
"Thank you Don, for everything you've taught
me, I know I will learn a lot from you."