Two Senior Olympics Tennis Gold Medalists from Harrisburg

Bringing home the gold at 57 is a pretty big deal.

Keith T. Dismuke, 57, Harrisburg, brought home two golds and one silver medal in the 2014 Senior Olympics held in Springfield Sept. 24 though Sept. 27.

His regular tennis partner, Ken Everett, 70, a teacher at Harrisburg Middle School, also brought home medals: Gold for doubles and bronze for singles. Everett is a tennis coach and instructor for Harrisburg Parks Department.

"The strength of my game," said Dismuke, "is my serve. Tennis keeps me exercised and I have fun. It is competitive without the impact of football."

Although there were age limits for the senior events, there are no age limits in Dismuke's regular local schedule.

"I play against 17 year olds all the time," Dismuke said. "They are surprised at the old guy giving them a run for the money. I play people up to 80 years old."

When he is not on the tennis court or at work Dismuke is often playing guitar.

"I love gospel music. I am a Christian and so that sort of comes natural. I love country, too. I do not have much respect for rap because of the content of its lyrics."

He is working on certification to be a United States Tennis Association Coach. Dismuke wants to teach tennis along with his partner Ken Everett.

When Dismuke was 24 he became interested in the game.

Tennis pro Ron Selkirk, St. Joseph's, Mo., helped him improve his game.

Both Dismuke and Everett will be eligible to play in the National Senior Olympics Finals in Minneapolis, Minn., July, 2015.