Chattanooga's John Disterdick did some acting earlier in his life. Now, at age 73, he's a cover boy as he retires from competitive boxing. Disterdick graces the front of the latest Masters Boxing Magazine, and his story is told by editor Manny Fernandez under the heading "The Undisputed" in an issue highlighting several top figures in the over-50 branch of the sport. Disterdick is celebrated for having won Ringside World Championships weight-class titles annually starting in 2007. He has won a masters-record 10 championship belts in all, including nine from Ringside from 178 to 198 pounds. Included in the introduction to the article is this: "He's hanging up the gloves having won more boxing title belts than Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao put together." And the opening paragraph by Fernandez includes, "His fights are often nonstop, toe to toe, action packed bouts that result in standing ovations from the crowd. A fan favorite, especially with the kids who rush to ringside when he steps into the ring." The article also mentions Disterdick's local training or sparring partners Jack Godwin, Jesse Peterson and Dale Dagnan and notes his success in triathlon and other sports and in the Senior Olympics. Disterdick has, incidentally, won more medals than anyone else the past three years at the local and state Senior Games. Now he is on a mission to teach other older people. "I am providing sessions at a local CrossFit gym to help seniors obtain and maintain fitness," he said, "for a better quality of life and reduced expenses for illness-related drug fees." He adds that he wants to "encourage individuals at risk to attend a session and get started on the road to fitness." Those interested in being trained by Disterdick can contact him at 715-3456.
Soccer
' The Covenant College men's soccer team opens its season Tuesday night at home against Sewanee without 10 players who graduated from last year's side that finished 15-5-2 and went to the NCAA Division III tournament after winning the USA South championship. But seventh-year coach Nathan Pifer has some veterans and a good crop of freshmen, and the Scots aren't backing down. "This year is going to be a challenge, but we're excited about that," Pifer said in a school release. "You tend to push yourself a little harder when presented challenges like this. We know what it takes to reach the top." Seniors Noah Wiersema and Mike Arango are the top returning forwards, and all-conference goalkeeper Daniel Kubin returns to a defense that includes senior classmates Andrew Lowe and Russell Harrison and junior Tim Love. The midfield was hit hardest by graduation but has sophomore returners Nate Mackey, Isaac Johnson and Joseph Franks. Covenant's Lady Scots open their season at 5 p.m. Tuesday by hosting Berry. Sewanee's women open at home at 7 EDT against Emory.
Basketball
' As of Saturday night, there were 100 high school boys' basketball players signed up for the CABC Fall League, leaving 20 spots available, CABC executive director Daniel Gilbert said. Evaluations are Wednesday at East Ridge High School, where games will be played Sept. 8, 14, 22 and 28 and Oct. 13 with a tournament on Oct. 20. Registration is available at www.cabchoops.com before Wednesday or until no openings remain.