Ninety-year-old 'groovy great-grandma' makes 14th appearance at USBC Women's Championships

RENO, Nev. - As far as bowling is concerned, one might describe Evalyn Townsend as a "late bloomer," when she appeared in her 14th straight national tournament at the 2006 United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships presented by the Eldorado, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus.

The 90-year-old from Garden Grove, Calif., picked up her first bowling ball at the tender age of 62 when she retired from teaching. She's been at it ever since and currently bowls with Marge's Groovy Grandmas out of Orange, Calif. The team name belies the fact that this nonagenarian is actually a great-grandmother 18 times over, with another on the way.

"I just couldn't see myself sitting around watching TV all day," she said. "When I left teaching, I joined the teachers' league, and I still bowl in Las Vegas and Anaheim. I intend to keep bowling until He tells me when to stop."

Bowling may have added to Townsend's longevity, but it also helps if a long lifeline runs in the family. "My father died when he was 86," she offered. "And I have a twin sister who's still living, but she doesn't bowl."

Townsend also has a close friend with whom she tied for the doubles title in St. Louis back in 1982. Her friend has since retired from the game. She's 102.

She currently averages 143, down from the 160s she bowled in back in the 1980s. But she did rack up a 245 in 2001 and won "Bowler of the Year" honors at her league in Anaheim. She also boasts a career high 750 series.

"I love bowling, but it's more than that," this former geometry and trigonometry teacher insisted. "It's all the good times, meeting new people and enjoying old friends. I also make Indian crafts and jewelry, but that can't take the place of bowling." Townsend also still drives her car.

Kegel is the official lane maintenance supplier of the USBC. For more information on the USBC Women's Championships, visit www.usbcwomenschampionships.com

5/25/2006



By Bob Sagan USBC Communications