>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

Hazel Grover, who will turn 100 in December, conducts the coin toss prior to Saturday’s football game between EOU and Rocky Mountain College. At right is EOU head football coach Tim Camp. - The Observer/DICK MASON

At least Hazel Grover of La Grande made it seem that way last weekend at EOU’s Community Stadium.

Grover celebrated her 100th birthday about three months early Saturday by serving as the Mountaineers’ honorary team captain for their game against Rocky Mountain College.

The future centenarian gave EOU early momentum by winning the pre-game coin flip for the Mountaineers. Grover tossed a coin and then accurately called tails for EOU.

“She got us the ball!’’ EOU head coach Tim Camp told his players after he helped escort Grover to the sideline.

Grover walked to and from the 50-yard line on her own power, looking more like someone who had just become eligible for Social Security, not one who will turn 100 in December.

Fans on both sides of the field took note, giving her a standing ovation.

“It was very much a thrill,’’ Grover said.

The thrills were just beginning for Grover, an avid EOU football fan since she moved to La Grande from Montana nine years ago. Grover watched Saturday’s game from the EOU press box. She saw Eastern win 76-55 in the highest scoring football game in school history.

”It was fitting that the teams combined for over 100 points,’’ said Rob Cashell, EOU’s athletic director.

Cashell originally suggested that Grover serve as honorary captain.

“What he did was so wonderful,’’ said Grover, who lives at Wildflower Lodge.

Hazel was accompanied at Saturday’s game by her son, Joe, of La Grande, a member of the EOU Foundation and a retired oral surgeon.

“I’m well taken care of by Dr. Grover,’’ Hazel said with a twinkle in her eye.

Joe and Hazel watched Saturday’s game together. Hazel observed intently and expressed her allegiance openly, cheering when EOU scored and shaking her head with displeasure when something went wrong.

“I’m a poor loser,’’ Hazel Grover said with a smile after an EOU miscue.

Following the game, Camp credited Grover’s pregame appearance with giving the Mountaineers the spark and inspiration his squad needed.

“She set the tempo — what a way to start a game,’’ Camp said.

Few people are outsmarting Father Time more gracefully than Grover. As she approaches her triple-digit milestone she is not acting like a centenarian. Grover walks everywhere with no assistance and takes no medication.

Young at Heart: Hazel Grover sits at her desk in her apartment at Wildflower Lodge. - The Observer/DICK MASON

How has she slowed the sands of time to a trickle?

Grover says she has no secrets. She has always eaten whatever she wants to, though in moderation.

“I’m not a big person so I don’t eat a lot.’’

When pressed about her longevity, Grover does say that perhaps ballroom dancing has helped her. She danced for many years but does not now because of lack of opportunities.

“Did I ever love it,’’ Grover said.

She has loved football since becoming interested many decades ago when her son Joe was a member of his high school football team in Montana.

“I really liked to watch Joe play,’’ Grover said.

Today EOU’s football coach would like to have Hazel Grover serve as his team honorary captain of future games and perhaps even join his staff as a top assistant coach.

“Coach Ena (EOU’s assistant head football coach) better watch out,’’ Camp said with a broad smile.