Forecasts to Forehands: Retired meteorologist plays in National Senior Games near hometown

Rick Ewald has been playing tennis for the past 50 years, so it’s no surprise he qualified for the National Senior Games representing Iowa.

The 67-year-old played both singles and men’s doubles at the National Senior Games in Des Moines, a short drive from his home in Ankeny.

“I really like playing both singles and doubles, but I do love singles,” he said. “I still move pretty well and have good court coverage, plus I like the strategy.”

Growing up in Madison, South Dakota, Ewald played tennis at Dakota State University.

He then moved to Grand Island, Nebraska, where he worked as a meteorologist for the National Weather Service and continued to play tennis over the years.

Ewald retired in 2020 and moved to Ankeny to be near his grandchildren. He found a tennis ladder via the Greater Des Moines Tennis Association and kept the momentum going.

Ewald made his first appearance in tennis at the National Senior Games. He said he is just glad he is still able to be competitive on the court. This was his second appearance at the national event, as he previously competed at the 2015 National Senior Games in Minneapolis in track and field events.

“It’s not so much about winning and losing. It’s for the love of the game,” he said. “It’s a great time to take advantage of it since it’s right here in Des Moines this year.”

Ewald played doubles with his partner from Grand Island, Ron Bender. The National Senior Games took place July 24 to Aug. 4. The tennis portion occurred in numerous locations: Northwest High School in Waukee, Drake University in Des Moines and Lifetime Fitness in Urbandale.

View additional National Senior Games feature stories from across USTA Missouri Valley by clicking here.