After more than a decade, Gary Wilkison has returned as director of the 55-and-over Rockets league in Huntsville Senior Softball.
“I did it 12 years ago (2010-11),” he said. “I’ve been in the league; this is my 17th year. I’m getting old. I started when I was 55, I’m 72 now.
“I think I’ve seen a pretty steady growth in the league over those years.”
Wilkison succeeded last year’s director, Chris Maggio, at the helm of the six-team league. The season starts April 4. They will play a 35-game schedule from April to mid-September at Brahan Spring Park.
“We’re trying to keep the league competitive but still have a good time doing it,” Wilkison said. “We’re trying to grow the league, maintain the six-team level and maybe add a team or two over the next few years.”
The returning teams include green, royal blue, navy blue, maroon, red and gray. Wilkison said the league will probably reorganize some of the teams and hold a draft the last week of March to ensure a competitive balance.
“The whole idea is not to have a really good team and a really bad team,” he said.
Games will be held on Monday and Thursday nights at 6 and 7:30 at fields 1 and 2 in Brahan Spring Park.
Wilkison has played for the navy blue team for a while but he’s uncertain who he will play for this year. He said he will not be a coach.
Anyone 55 and older is welcome to sign up. You must turn 55 by Dec. 31 of this year. If interested call Wilkison at 656-0517 or Becky Rollston of the Huntsville Senior Center at 880-7081.
