An Unlikely Partnership Brings Out the Best in Golden Age Veterans and College Athletes
"If I can beat someone younger than me, it sure feels good," grins Neal Picken, Marine Corps Veteran, as he stretches alongside members of the Arkansas Razorback gymnastics team.
Every Wednesday, the Springdale Rec Center in Springdale, Arkansas, comes alive with an unusual but inspiring sight: Veterans and college athletes training side by side, pushing each other to new heights.
These Veterans, known as the RazorVets, aren't training for just any competition. They're preparing for the 2025 National Golden Age Games in Memphis, Tennessee, this summer and they've found some unexpected allies in their corner – the University of Arkansas gymnastics team.
"We try to make it fun and social," says Brad Anderson, Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHSO) Occupational Therapist who serves as the RazorVets' coach. "The goal is to get people moving without them realizing they're working out." Anderson, affectionately known as "Coach Brad" to his athletes, has witnessed transformations that go far beyond physical improvement. The program has become a source of pride and belonging for the Veterans, evident in how they wear their RazorVet shirts like badges of honor.
The partnership isn’t just beneficial for the Veterans. Maddie Jones, a senior Razorback gymnast, recalls a recent training session where the Veterans taught the team a new stretch – one that has since become a regular part of their practice routine. "We came here thinking we'd be the ones doing all the teaching," she says, "but we're learning just as much from them."
The collaboration emerged from the gymnastics team's commitment to community service, with several team members having personal connections to military service. What started as a simple outreach initiative has evolved into a weekly tradition that both groups eagerly anticipate.
For Picken, the competitive spirit that served him well in the Marines finds a new outlet here. The presence of younger athletes pushes him to attempt more challenging exercises, while his determination inspires the college gymnasts. It's a mutual exchange of energy and expertise that breaks down generational barriers.
Their journey represents more than just physical training; it's a testament to the power of community and the unexpected bonds formed through sport. As these Veterans prepare to compete, they carry with them not just their military pride, comradery between each other but also the support of their young gymnast allies.