Opportunities abound to stay active in Bloomington

Over the last four decades, Born Again Jocks has offered men over 55 years old an opportunity to bond through sports throughout the year.

Depending on the season and interest, BAJs, such as the biking group, can be found across Bloomington or the metro.

That’s one reason why a recent proclamation made by Bloomington mayor Tim Busse named Aug. 26-31 Born Again Jocks week in Bloomington.

Some 500 current BAJ members, wearing their recognizable green and white BAJ gear, joined the mayor in the council chambers.

Busse opened the Aug. 26 meeting with a proclamation about the great asset BAJs is to the community.

“whereas the BAJs serves the greater Bloomington community with an opportunity for fitness, fellowship and good-natured competition with a spirit of friendship,” Busse read as part of the proclamation noting the milestone anniversary.

He went on to add: “When I read this, 1984, I was one year out of high school, and I am not yet a Born Again Jock, but I’ve never been a jock to begin with, so that wouldn’t work for me, but I’m very proud to recognize your organization.”

“We are 40 years old this year, and Mr. Mayor, you do not have to be a jock to join us; most of us are wannabe jocks,” Lyle Abeln said. “Yes, we have 500 members and intend to grow. Some of us participate in one activity, others participate in four or five, but we offer a very nice sport-like opportunity for ages 57-93.”

Arnie Johnson

According to the published history on bornagainjocks.com , the group was started in 1984 by Arnie Johnson with the help of Siv Mancini, Tom Leaman and Gunnar Fors.

Johnson was a trailblazer in Bloomington, helping start the Bloomington Athletic Association in 1953 as a way for kids to play sports. BAA has evolved into one of the country’s largest all-volunteer youth sports organizations.

The BAJs started playing horseshoes, but they quickly evolved into year-round activities.

Golf

Over 200 BAJ golfers converge on Dwan Golf Course on the first Monday of May through September, with regular foursomes or fill-in substitutes during the season. Over the season, two scramble tournaments add a little competition to the weekly game. A membership to Dwan is required to participate. Contact Terry Thompson (952-456-6260 or tjack1020@icloud.com ) or Kirk Vogland (952-884-6094 or kvogland@comcast.net ).

Volleyball

Volleyball is a big hit with the group meeting from 6-8 p.m. Mondays May October (at Kennedy Activity Center), then Monday-Wednesday-Friday (9-11 a.m.) October-April (Jefferson Activity Center through January, then Kennedy through April). There is a $5 participation fee each week. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., with games starting by 9 a.m. Contact Brian White (612-812-5086 or bjwhite1776@charter.net ) or Mark Sando (612-709-7965 or msando@frontiernet.net ).

Bowling

Bowlers have two options for weekly BAJ leagues at Southtown Bowl from September to April with 4-man teams.

Tuesday’s BAJ Green starts at 9:30 a.m.

Thursday’s BAJ White meets Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. Contact Tom Backstrom for more information (952-465-8970 or thomasgbackstrom@hotmail.com )

The BAJs receive discounted prices, and on the 32nd week, they host a banquet at the Bloomington Events Center. President: Dick Oestreich (952-881-2597 or oestreichrichard277@gmail.com ) Secretary/Treasurer: Ralph Hardgrove (952-882-0210 or rhardgrove38@hotmail.com ).

Biking

Bike rides are held on Wednesday mornings from May to September. Those interested in the group rides are encouraged to arrive at the location by 8:45 a.m., leave promptly at 9 a.m., and return around 11 a.m. Routes stay on paved trails around the area from Bloomington to Eagan, Minneapolis, St. Paul and beyond. Info: Richard Schugel (612-866-2248 or richard5000pro@hotmail.com ) or Lyle Abeln (952-693-6956 or lyleabeln@gmail.com ).

The remaining rides on the 2024 schedule include a Sept. 11 trip from the Eagles Club parking lot to Bloomington to Lake Nokomis and back, a Sept. 18 trip from Rock Island Swing Bridge to downtown St. Paul, and a Sept. 25 trip from Bloomington to Shakopee and back.

Bocce

Bocce Ball takes place Fridays from 9-11 a.m. from the second Friday in May through the fall at Valley View Park. Info: Larry Petersen (952-228-7363 or p32larriet52@yahoo.com ) or Bill Lundstrom (952-832-9267 or wlundholm@gmail.com )

Pickleball

Regular pickleball matches are played on Tuesdays from 9-11 a.m. on the courts at Westwood Elementary. Some paddles are available to borrow if you don’t have one. Info: Gary Ubl (952-484-0346 or garyubl@msn.com ).

Tennis

Valley View tennis courts are reserved from 7:30-11:30 a.m. each Monday (with occassional other weekdays, depending on interest) in May-October. There are no fees. All levels are welcome for singles, doubles and 3-on-3 events. Info: Dan Kampa 952-854-0898.

Pancake breakfast

In addition to the sports/activity side of the BAJs, the group hosts an annual pancake fundraiser with proceeds going towards scholarships awarded to graduating seniors at Bloomington Kennedy and Jefferson High Schools who are active in sports each spring.

This year’s pancake breakfast will be held on Sunday, Oct. 6, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bloomington Events Center, 1114 American Blvd.

Since 2010, the BAJs have donated more than $141,000 through scholarships and donations to youth organizations in Bloomington. Donations have gone to Bloomington schools to help defer athletic fees.

Pancake fundraiser questions can be directed to Ralph Bartolotta at 612-325-3500 or rbartolotta@yahoo.com .

Scholarships

Through the Jerry Molosky Scholarships, the BAJs recognize high school seniors who participate in athletics. Over the last 33 years, the organization has awarded $282,000 through scholarships. In 2024, $1,000 scholarships were awarded to Kennedy’s Stephanie Carillo-Duran, Angel Romero-Valencia, and Jefferson’s Kseniya Medvedeoski and Manuel Ledesma. In addition, Bloomington Athletic Association received a $6,000 donation.

In 2023, eight scholarships valued at $1,500 each were awarded to Kennedy’s Corey Bartholomew, Kaysawn Carlson, Maisie Pederson, Oliver Johnson and Jefferson’s Caroline Hemann, Anthony Thorman, Emilia Lowe and Maxwell Clark. In addition, BAA received a $6,000 donation, which was used for registration fees and equipment, plus a $1,000 donation to Oasis for Youth, an organization helping teenagers in need.