Clay Krames of the University of Texas was a conference medalist in the late 1940s. (He also threw discus at the Kansas Relays.) After graduating in 1949, he pretty much quit the game. But he came back to throw disc (as well as hammer and javelin) at the National Senior Games, the last time in 2015. Now we’re sorry to learn from Texas meet organizer Seth Brower that Clay died just months after turning 90. “Clay passed away after a sudden illness on November 30, 2016, while attended by his family,” says his obit. See his obituary here. His dramatic five-decade comeback was told several times, including this great profile in the Dallas News. I was struck by this quote in 2015, before the Minnesota NSG: “If my health holds, I’ll compete as long as I can perform decently. But I think by the time I hit 90, that’s going to be my automatic retirement date.” My condolences to all his friends and family.

Here are major stories for posterity:

Obituary

Clay Victor Krames, born August 27, 1926 in Beaumont, TX, was the only son of Ray Krames and Kathryn (Pittman) Krames.

Clay served in the US Navy from 1944-46 before graduating from the University of Texas at Austin in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. He later completed a Master of Science degree in the same field at Southern Methodist University. Clay was a member of Theta Xi fraternity and lettered in track and field. Beginning in 1950 Clay enjoyed a 41-year career with Chance Vought, later LTV Corporation, heading projects for the Aerospace Division.

Clay was a Lone Star champion to the end.

In 1950 Clay married Joyce Christine Finlay of Brady, TX, the daughter of Earl and Christiana Finlay. Clay and Joyce made their home in Irving, TX, where they were early members of Plymouth Park United Methodist Church.

A keen sports enthusiast, Clay was active in basketball, golf, billiards and softball. At the age of 78, he competed in his first of many Senior Games in track and field, winning several medals at national competitions in Houston, TX in 2011 and Cleveland, OH in 2013, including gold medals for the javelin throw and discus throw.

Clay is preceded in death by his infant son Clay Victor Krames, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, and their loving children (and their spouses): Cheryl Sampson-Hood (Gary) of Ennis, TX, Christy Langenberg (Ray) of Austin, TX, and Michael Krames (Jerri) of Mountain View, CA; and grandchildren Clay and John Sampson, Madison Baker, and Aidan, Kyleigh and Ragan Krames.

Clay passed away after a sudden illness on November 30, 2016, while attended by his family. A private service is pending. The family thanks all of Clay’s friends for their love and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church Richardson. Clay is remembered for his strong Christian faith, his love of sports and family, and his kind and generous heart.

Ted Dickey West Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. To send condolences or share a fond memory, please visit www.teddickeywestfuneral.com.

Profile in Erickson Living

DALLAS, TX — For Clay Krames, fitness is more than just staying in shape. It’s a pathway to measuring up against the competition.

Mr. Krames, a resident of Highland Springs retirement community in North Dallas, entered the Texas State Senior Games held in San Antonio in April. He won three medals in track & field events, highlighted by first place in the javelin and second place in the discus and hammer categories.

Persistence, preceded by a prod is how Mr. Krames, 88, describes his commitment to fitness.

“In my mind, working out is vital for all ages, but particularly for seniors,” stated Mr. Krames. “It helps with keeping muscles loose, improving agility and providing a mental boost.”

His regimen is tailored and disciplined, utilizing the fitness center at Highland Springs and the outdoor facilities at nearby Plano High School for practice. “They won’t let me throw the javelin in the fitness center,” he jokes.

Just before a meet, he trains up to five times per week; the default routine is three workouts per week lasting up to 90 minutes.

That dedication will prepare him for his next challenge, the 2015 National Senior Games to be held in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota in July. He will again enter his three favorite events.

“This will be my fifth National Senior Games, and I’ve enjoyed them all because of the challenge and camaraderie. Many of the athletes had some prior athletic exposure in school but others never did and just decided to try,” described Mr. Krames.

His wife of nearly 65 years, Joyce, traveled with him to San Antonio last month. He met his wife-to-be at the University of Texas in 1948, and they married in 1950 eventually raising three children. “Joyce has always been my biggest fan, and I appreciate her encouragement dearly,” said Mr. Krames.

For the native of Beaumont who served in the United States Navy during World War II with the Carrier Aircraft Service Unit (CASU-2) based in Hawaii, July will be about stacking up to the national competition.

“It will be fun to see how I fare against my peers from across the nation. I’m looking forward to the challenge,” describes Mr. Krames.

About Highland Springs: Highland Springs is one of eighteen continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living. Located in North Dallas, Texas, the scenic 89-acre campus is home to more than 700 residents. Highland Springs is the ideal greater Dallas retirement destination offering a true sense of community, convenience beyond compare and a sensible financial structure.

Profile in Dallas News

It had been more than 50 years since Clay Krames had thrown the discus. That’s why his daughter’s suggestion seemed so silly, he said.

Her proposal: Krames should pick up his old hobby from his days on the University of Texas track and field team. Not just for fun, she said, but to prepare to compete in the National Senior Games qualifiers.

His daughter suggested it about a decade ago. Krames waved it off at first.

“But daughters don’t listen to their dads too well,” Krames said. “She sent me a practice discus for Father’s Day, so I thought, well, what the heck.”

In the years since that exchange, Krames, 88, has competed in four consecutive National Senior Games competitions, which are held every two years. On Sunday, he’ll fly to Minnesota to take part in his fifth national games. Krames competes next week in three categories: the discus, javelin and hammer throw.

“Most guys, you know — when you get in the age range I am — are content to sit down in their recliner, watch TV — and that’s my goal for next year,” Krames said.

But this year, he’s focused on placing in his events. In his age bracket — 85- to 89-year-olds — Krames will be one of the older participants. He acknowledges this will make it tough to win. His throwing distance has declined a bit, he said.

He continues to train two or three times a week, alternating between strength training at his Far North Dallas retirement community and throwing practice on the fields of Plano Senior High School.

Cheryl Sampson, the daughter who helped convince Krames to compete in the first place, said she remembered a family photo of Krames throwing a discus in a University of Texas uniform. She said she saw the Senior Games as a good way for him to stay active and socially engaged.

“You can probably tell by looking at him, at almost 90, that he’s a physical specimen,” Sampson said. “He’s kind of like those Greek statues from the original Olympic games.”

When Krames picked up a discus again for the first time in decades, he said it felt strange in his hands.

“When I was in college, of course, I did a full spin [before throwing],” Krames said. “I tried to spin at my age at the time, and I fell on my keister.”

So he adjusted his throwing technique. He doesn’t spin anymore; instead, he stands, cocks and twists to throw. Technique has become much more important than brute strength, he said.

Between relearning to throw the discus and his first Senior Games qualifying event, Krames said he didn’t prepare as much. Part of him didn’t want to advance, he said.

“My throw was terrible, but it was enough to be Top 3, and so that qualified me,” Krames said.

“Then once I qualified, I got a little more interested. I didn’t want to look silly out there. I wanted to look decent. So that’s when I started practicing.”

That practice has now paid off in the form of five consecutive national competition appearances.

In the 2007 and 2009 national games, Krames did not place in the Top 3 in any event, according to records provided by the National Senior Games Association. Then he broke through in the 2011 games, placing first in the javelin, second in the discus and second in the hammer. In 2013, he earned first place in the discus.

Krames believes that he needs to hit 70 feet to place next week in the discus. He can throw the javelin about 60 feet and his hammer throw varies roughly from 40 to 45 feet.

Cheering on Krames at the national competitions has become a family affair, Sampson said. She has made the trip more than once, and she said the family used a previous California competition as an opportunity for a sort of family reunion.

Sampson said the Senior Games bring out a spirit of youthful competition among the participants.
“In some respects, in terms of the dynamics of people interacting, they might as well be in high school or college,” Sampson said.

Clay Krames’ wife, Joyce Krames, said she and the family are proud of her husband’s successes.

“He’s always been in good physical shape,” Joyce Krames said. “He always did something [active]. He belonged to a senior baseball team. … It seemed natural. It’s just what he does.”

Clay Krames isn’t sure how he’ll measure up this year, he said, given the younger competition he’ll face. But he still hopes to place. He said he’s not sure how many more opportunities he’ll have before he puts the discus back on the shelf.

“Depends on how I feel. If my health holds, I’ll compete as long as I can perform decently. But I think by the time I hit 90, that’s going to be my automatic retirement date.”

That date’s on hold for at least one more week.

Here’s how Clay did in Minnesota.