Inrwin Krueger is the Master of Bocce

When I was given an assignment to find a senior that is active in some form of athletics, I figured I'd find someone that was into running, bowling, or perhaps golf. All are great sports, and would have made for good copy. But what I was about to do a story on was something I'd never even heard of before: Bocce. (pronounced: BAH-che)

The first thing I needed to do was find a senior athlete so I contacted Carol Clark at the Community Center. She referred me to a gentleman named Mr. Irwin Krueger. When I finally spoke with Irwin, the first thing I noticed was how articulate he was. Best of all he had been playing Bocce for years. 'What the heck is this Bocce, anyway?' I thought to myself. I knew I had found my story, and set up a place and time to meet Mr. Irwin Kruger in the flesh.

A couple days later, Irwin and I met in the main lobby of the Community Center in Fort Wayne. I found him to be a fun, very articulate, well educated, and active person. Irwin Krueger was born in 1928 in Erie, Pennsylvania and went to school at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania where he received a BS in mathematics and a Masters Degree in Actuarial Science.

Irwin spent some time in the U.S. Airforce and saw some action during the Korean War. He moved to Fort Wayne back in 1955 where he worked at Lincoln Life for 28-years before retiring in 1993. That leaves him lots of time for his favorite sport: Bocce. Irwin was first introduced to Bocce through some friends.

This year Irwin worked in tandem with organizer Larry Davis to set up the Bocce Tournament for the Senior Games at the Ft. Wayne Community Center. The tournament itself was played at Shoaff Park. By the way, over half of the competitors were over the age of 75!

The roots of Bocce were well planted in Italy was first documented in a 5200 B.C. painting! It quickly became the sport of statesman and rulers. The best way I can describe the game of Bocce is to combine Curling with Bowling, and throw in a bit of Horseshoes. The object of Bocce is to get your balls closer to the Bocce ball than your opponents'. Irwin challenged me to a match and being the competitor that I am, I accepted.

Bocce is a great way to spend an afternoon with just a friend, or the entire family. It involves walking, tossing a ball about the size of a softball, and weighs about as much as a can of beans, and some eye-to-hand coordination. Plus, there's lots of room for good conversation.

If you're looking for a sport that's fun and won't break your back, or your bank account, look into Bocce. A game that's been kept alive since the Middle Ages can't be that bad! I had a great time with Irwin during our game. By the way, he beat me 5-4. I publicly challenge you to a rematch, Mr. Krueger! The Deaton name shall not be tarnished!