DONGOLA (WSIL) -- There are athletes and coaches, but there are so many other people who play an important role in sports.
Meet Ken Palmer. At the age of 81 years old, he is the oldest active official in the state of Illinois for high school athletics. Ken just completed his 60th year of basketball and would be in his 60th season umpiring baseball had the coronavirus not delayed the start of the games.
"I went to school at Mounds, Township High School and a couple coaches down there wanted me to start reffing and that was 1959 when I started," said Palmer. " I got 2 dollars and a half for a JV game and six dollars for a varsity game."
Staying active over the years has been key for Ken.
"The older you get the tougher it is to stay in shape," said Palmer. " I used to run around this hill, but I don't run around the hill anymore. I go down to the softball diamond downtown and run around the track down there. It is easier to run on the flat than it is uphill. I still walk this hill. It is a mile and 3/10 around. i consider myself in good shape considering my age. There are not many, in fact there are no 81 year old guys running up and down the floor."
Over the years, a lot has changed, including the style.
"Way back when we started with white tennis shoes and gray slacks and now we have black tennis shoes and black slacks."
With the games stopped due to Covid-19, Ken will lose out on a part of his income, but he says this is not just about him.
"I'm going to lose about 45 games if don't start in May, which i doubt they will. But, it's not only me. It's the kids, especially the seniors that had a chance to earn a scholarship in baseball. They won't get that chance."
Ken chooses to remain positive, and he has one date circled on his calendar.
"I have a baseball game August 12th, junior high, so that's when that season starts, so hopefully we will be able to play that. Hopefully. "
Ken says he will continue to officiate games for as long as he can.
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