Jerry Bookin-Weiner, USATF masters throwing events coordinator, graciously shares this results link for the USATF East Region Masters Championships held Saturday at East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania. Two American age-group records were set, he notes — by Frank Levine in the M95 400 and Neni Lewis in the W45 superweight. Frank clocked 3:19.56 to crush the listed record of 3:53.10 by the late great Everett Hosack back in 2000. Neni improved her own superweight record, reaching 10.34 meters (33-11 1/4). Her old listed AR was 10.03 (32-11). A year older, a foot better. Great efforts, Frank and Neni! We’ll see both of you in Oshkosh.

Here’s a great story about Frank at 2006 Charlotte nationals, when brutal heat forced the meet to shut down one day:

Nicole Konkal | 92 and sill running

August 4, 2006

Nicole Konkal Reporter

Can you imagine running a marathon – or running period – when you’re 92-years-old? I can hardly run around my block and I am still in my 20’s. I guess that reflects poorly on my athletic ability, but my point is, running at an age when most of your friends have a hard time walking is inspirational.

Let me explain. Tuesday I was sent to the USA Track and Field Master Championship at UNC- Charlotte. The event was for 1,400 athletes from all over the country, ranging in age from 30 to 95-years-old. Yes, you read correctly 95-years-old. The focus of my story wasn’t solely on the fact I was going to see grandma and grandpa shimmying around the track; it was about the heat. If you’ve watched any local news in the past few days, you know all reports have been centered around the heat in the Carolinas.

My photographer and I arrived at the track around 3:45 a.m. (we work the morning shift…that is a whole other blog in itself). From 5 a.m. – 7a.m., I reported on what was to happen later in the day, how people can stay safe from the heat, and what the event was all about. About the time I wrapped up my morning reports, I began seeing dozens of “older” people arrive in short shorts, sweat proof shirts, and water bottles in hand. It was bizarre to me that these people – who some would call over the hill, even elderly – were about to compete against their peers and not to mention in 100 degree heat.

Around 7:30 a.m., I walk down the stairs to the track (and by the way I will admit the walk down the steep stairs alone, took my breath away). I immediately met Frank Levine, a 92-year-old hard core competitor. I knew he would be my star interview. My photographer and I got into position and I asked:

“Mr. Levine, if I may ask, how old are you?”

Levine: “You mean, how YOUNG am I?”

A bit embarrassed, I said, “Yes, how young are you?” He said, “92 and still running.”

Ninety two and still running and still sharp as a knife. Levine joked when I asked him what special precautions he has to take at his age to compete at these types of events.

He said “I have to watch my weight, watch what I eat, and stay away from young girls because they take away all my energy.” What a funny guy!

As soon as we were done, Levine threw on his hat and got ready for the race. A few minutes later I saw him trucking along. Granted other runners were passing him. He wasn’t the fastest by any means, but he was out on a track at 92-years-old!

After I left the track, the event was eventually shut down because the heat became too intense. That is what the focus of my story was, but my inspiration that day was Mr. Levine and the hundreds of others out there who decided a long time ago to make their health a lifelong commitment.

I am the morning show reporter so I usually report on crime, death, and destruction, so it was fun for me that my first blog is about something inspirational.