SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - For many athletes, their careers end when they graduate high school. However on a recent trip to Mammoth Mountain, News 8's John Howard found some San Diegans who are still racing well into their 50s. It's all part of the Masters Program at Mammoth.
Zipping down the course they look like any other racer. But if you take a closer look, you'll see these racers are masters, who have worked on their craft for decades.
John: How many years young?
Bill: Just turned 59 this month.
Bill Rathbone is from Encinitas. He raced in college and was an All-American.
"I'm an attorney in San Diego, a lot of stress and pressure, it's a good break to come here and ski that fast," continued Bill.
His buddy is Bob Davis.
John: Bob came down the hill first, Bill didn't pass you up did he?
Bob: No he didn't. Fortunately.
Back in the day, Bob raced for the University of Utah and currently owns a gas station in La Costa.
"It's tough to compare. I really enjoy this now. I enjoyed it then up to a point," said Bob. "Where I went to school you're under scholarship to do well. Once that was over I took a hiatus and I've gotten back into it with Masters. Really enjoyed racing."
On the ladies side, everyone is chasing Deb Lewis.
"I was on a high school team, my first experience was on a little bump in Michigan coached by our math teacher," explained Deb.
Deb hales from just over the county line in San Clemente.
John: I know you wear the #1 bib that means every one is shooting for you, you have a target on your back?
Deb: Darn right. #1 in the ladies season standings last year. Yellow bibs we earned. I'm proud to have it they should all shoot away.
In masters racing there is no age limit and no limit to the fun they have on the mountain.
"Skiing is a lot of fun. It engages you physically and mentally. Especially racing, it's physical skills a lot of it is mental thinking all the time. It's very engaging, exhilarating experience," said Deb.
"The camaraderie, friends know each other for years its fun to come out here and compete again. Nice days like this are really enjoyable," added Bob.
"Got back into it after took 15 years off. Hardest part is losing," said Bill.
But losing is only defined by a racers' time. By contrast, the time these racers are having, make them masters at winning.
