By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

LaPlace’s Charles “Chuck” Wisher was honored last Saturday as Louisiana’s Senior Olympian of the Year at the Celebration of Athletes luncheon in Baton Rouge.

Wisher, 83, was the unanimous choice of those nominating a representative from the Bayou/River Region district – one of the Senior Olympics’ nine districts statewide.

“I was excited to hear it,” said Wisher. “It’s a great feeling that for a year, you were considered the best in your state.”

A World War II veteran and retired mechanical engineer, Wisher has participated in the Senior Olympic Games for 20 years, dating back to 1989. He has averaged six medals a year during that time, while participating in 22 different events his specialties are bowling, track and field, and weightlifting. He medaled eight times this past year.

This comes despite some hardships in his life. Wisher underwent treatment for prostate cancer in 1995 – that was the only year he would miss in competition.

He also constantly must treat his knees, which were each injured while playing softball in 1998.

Wisher prepares for the games with a consistent routine, one he pushes in the weeks prior to competing.

“I exercise every day. We’ve got a gym in the garage,” he says. “Two to three months before an event is coming up I start working on those particular skills. I think I have a pretty good fitness routine.”

“Chuck is a role model for health and fitness, not only in the retired population, but for all ages.

“His positive attitude makes him an excellent representative.” said Bill Elrod, the Bayou-River region representative on the executive board of the Louisiana Senior Olympic Games.