The Top Gun Bandits had an incredible week at the Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Utah, where they competed against teams from as far away as Hawaii and Canada. After a week of intense competition, the team emerged victorious, outscoring their opponents on the way to an undefeated 6-0 record and well-earned gold medal.

While the victory on the field was rewarding, the week’s experiences went far beyond the games. Representing the Top Gun brand, our team exemplified sportsmanship, resilience, and camaraderie. Players not only gave their all on the field but also made sacrifices off the field, with some taking time off work and others pushing through injuries to be part of this special event.

This tournament also saw some new faces contributing significantly to the team’s success. Phil McCrea, playing in his first tournament with Top Gun, batted over .800 and was co-leader in home runs and hits. Mike “Doc” Burke, another newcomer, batted leadoff and hit a critical grand slam in the final seeding game, helping secure our spot as the #1 seed in brackets. We also had the pleasure of welcoming back Joe Hensley and Jon Gibbs to Top Gun after a prolonged absence, both of whom made meaningful contributions throughout the tournament.

Key offensive contributors included Joe, who led the team with a .895 batting average and .905 on-base percentage, and Warren, who topped the team in SLG%, ISO and OPS. Roy was also a standout, leading the team with 9 doubles and 11 extra-base hits.

The tournament was just one highlight of the week. The Huntsman World Senior Games also provided opportunities for health assessments, allowing athletes to monitor their wellness. Players had the chance to meet other top senior athletes from around the world, forging new friendships and sharing stories of their athletic journeys. The opening ceremonies celebrated the spirit of the Games, uniting competitors from numerous sports and countries.

Beyond the scheduled events, the team took advantage of shared accommodations to bond even further, enjoying pizza, wings, baseball playoff games on TV and, of course, a few friendly card games. These moments of connection off the field made the trip even more memorable.

As we reflect on the experience, it’s clear that representing Top Gun Senior Softball at such a prestigious event is a privilege. We’re incredibly fortunate to still be playing at such a high level in senior years, and the Huntsman Games provided yet another reminder of how special this sport and community truly are.

We look forward to future tournaments and continuing to represent Top Gun with pride, both on and off the field.