Kieler, 55, found out about the Games while looking on the internet for an application to the Empire State Games for his daughter, Anna, a standout soccer player who will be a senior at Cooperstown next fall.

"I just kind of stumbled across it and thought �Why not?’’’ he said. ``I’ve been playing all my life and I thought it would be fun.’’

Kieler grew up in Cooperstown and played on the men’s tennis team while at Williams College, describing himself as an "average’’ player.

"But I stuck with it and I play all the time,’’ said Kieler, who has been the club champion at the Cooperstown Country Club many times.

Kieler lost in the singles final, 7-6, 6-3, but bounced back to win the doubles final, 7-5, 6-4. Making his doubles triumph more impressive was the fact he was playing for the first time with his partner, Al Hutson.

"I just played with someone they paired me up with,’’ Kieler said. "We just had to feel our way and get to know each other, but it worked out.’’

The Games were played over a two-day period, which Kieler said was a somewhat rigorous schedule. Players age 50 and older are welcome to play in the Games, which include a variety of individual and team events.

According to its website, the Empire State Senior Games is an organized sports and leisure program for New York State Residents aged 50 and older.

Its goals are to: Provide recreational opportunities; Encourage fitness as a life-long activity; Combine sports and games with fitness, fun, and fellowship; and promote the positive public image of seniors.

The Senior Games attracts nearly 2000 athletes who compete in more than 20 competitive sports and recreational events. There are also instructional clinics, informational exhibits, and educational seminars.

Each evening features an informal social event planned specifically for Senior Games’ participants.

"It’s more than you’re used to playing and the matches are against pretty good players from all over the state,’’ Kieler said. "Hopefully, someone will see what I was able to do and try their hand at their sport. If other people my age are inspired by what I did, that would be great.’’