Age No Barrier for Tennis Champ

Retirement doesn’t have to mean slowing down, especially not if you’re Wall Township resident Edward McMahon.

After retiring from his manager position at the United Parcel Service almost a decade ago, McMahon dove headfirst into the sport of tennis. Now in his late 70s, he still competes regularly in tournaments throughout the country and has established himself as one of the top 10 players on the east coast for his age group.

“The number one thing for me is keeping the body in shape, but I like the camaraderie of the tournaments,” said McMahon, who spoke by phone last week from tournament in St. Petersburg, Fla. “I’ve met a lot of great people through playing in some of these events.”

A former hurling champion in his native Ireland, McMahon immigrated to New Jersey at the age of 27, eventually taking up the sport in his early 40s.

He now plays at Ocean Grove Tennis Club four days per week, for at least two hours each session.

“As time has gone on, it’s something I’ve taken more seriously,” said McMahon. “Like with anything, you’re always learning and trying to improve.”

The hard work has reaped huge rewards for McMahon in singles. In 2008, he was ranked No. 37 in the country for the 75-and-over division.

The strong results have led to McMahon “playing down,” regularly competing in events in the 70-and-over division against opponents who are almost a decade younger.

“The draws for the 75-and-over events are usually pretty small, so it’s just a way of getting to play more matches,” said McMahon.

Despite the age of the players he competes against, McMahon said they all take the sport very seriously.

“There’s a good atmosphere at the events, but there’s a high level of intensity as well,” said McMahon. “You’re still trying to beat the other person on the other side of the net and we all want to win.”

McMahon has lived in Wall Township since 2001. He has a daughter who is married and lives in Spring Lake Heights.