Toby “the Terror” Santoro is a 102-year-old bowler from Caldwell. A hairstylist for celebrities such as Gloria Swanson, Jayne Mansfield and Martha Raye, Santoro still cuts hair at Franco’s Barber Shop in Caldwell. PHOTO COURTESY OF WOODBRIDGE TOWNSHIP WOODBRIDGE — Many from throughout the state in their golden years will be going for the gold when the township once again hosts the New Jersey Senior Olympics, Sept. 11-13.
“It’s a blast,” Mayor John McCormac said. “We see these people once a year, and it’s like you’re old friends.”
McCormac speaks from experience — the 57-year-old has been competing in the games for eight of the nine years that the township has hosted them.
“I’m good for the sedentary events, like billiards, bocce, horseshoes, darts and mini golf,” he said.
Those looking for more active events have the opportunity to take part in archery, basketball — three-on-three, as well as accuracy and foul shooting, bowling, cycling, fencing, golf, pickleball, racquetball, softball, swimming, table tennis, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. In addition, cricket has been added to this year’s offerings.
“Each year, they add a sport,” the mayor said.
Men and women compete in all events, with bronze, silver and gold medals awarded in each sex and age grouping. Age divisions encompass five-year groupings, from age 50 to 90 and older.
“I played bocce last year against a 100- year-old,” McCormac said, adding that he looks forward to challenging the man again this year. “We’ve had a handful of athletes over 100.”
And there’s no shortage of athletes in any age group. According to organizers, this year’s registrations far exceeded expectations. More than 800 senior competitors will take part in the events, McCormac said.
The turnout is especially remarkable because 2015 is not a qualifying year for the National Senior Games. During years ending in an even number, the top two competitors from each state qualify to take part in the national games, which take place on years ending in an odd number.
McCormac praised those in charge of making the games happen in the Garden State, including chairmen Pat Trombetta, Frank St. Marie and the late Chester Kinal, whom he dubbed “the three musketeers.” Operations Director Kelly Irizarry and Executive Director Mike Garamella also garnered praise from the mayor.
“He’s the driving force behind this,” Mc- Cormac said, adding that when the team approached him about hosting the games in Woodbridge, he was immediately on board.
“I said ‘yes’ right away because I knew we had top-notch facilities, and I knew our team could handle it.”
Besides, the events are a win for the township as a whole, he said.
“Many will spend the night here, many will shop here, many will dine here and otherwise provide a jolt to our economy,” Mc- Cormac said, adding that the town’s central location in the state and accessibility to major highways makes it a perfect host.
Although the registration date for athletes has passed, spectators are welcome to attend, free of charge, and cheer on their respective senior athletes. According to McCormac, spouses, children and grandchildren all show up to root for their loved ones.
“The way I look at it is, grandmas and grandpas spend hundreds of hours watching their grandkids compete, and this is the grandkids’ chance to come out and watch their grandparents,” he said.
The New Jersey Senior Olympics are set for Sept. 11-13, with golf on Sept. 21, in several locations throughout the township. For more information, visit www.njseniorolympics.com.