Happy birthday to Willis Kleinsasser, masters pioneer
Willis Kleinsasser was 40 in July 1968 when he won the "Masters Six" sextathlon and the outstanding athlete award at the first USA masters national championships at San Diego's fabled Balboa Stadium, which even Sports Illustrated covered. He was the top scorer in a two-day challenge, winning five events: the 220 in 24.0, 440 in 53.1, 880 in 2:09, long jump with 18-10 and shot (40-10ΒΌ). He was third in the mile -- the final event on Day 2. Today he turns 80, and his daughter, Olympian Ruth Wysocki, graciously brought us up to date on her dad.
Ruth reports: "He had to give up running years ago due to ankle problems that dated back to his basketball days. He has stayed active with swimming and some weightlifting. He follows the track that manages to hit the news, and of course, the exploits of his grandchildren."
Contrary to Pete Mundle's list of "Athletes who enter a new division this month" in the May issue of National Masters News, Willis doesn't live in Azusa, California.
"My folks moved to Reno in 1992 when my dad retired from the Azusa School District," Ruth writes. "Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease several years ago. His athletic training and competitive spirit have really helped with this. He works hard to stay as active as possible and, thanks to my mom, eats very wisely."
With masterful medical help and his own great attitude and diligence, Ruth says, her dad is "facing a challenge and is fighting it full-strength. He is still very active (all things considered), and doing very well."
In 1946, Willis was fourth in the 880 at the California state high school championships with a time of 2:01. He later attended Tabor College in Kansas, and in 2007 was named to Tabor's Athletic Hall of Fame "for his prowess in basketball and track and field, as well as his years as a teacher and school psychologist," said one citation.
Please join me in wishing Willis a wonderful birthday and the strength to deal with Parkinson's. He's one of our founding fathers.