Audio clip
Felix Abel
Felix Abel had been bowling for more than 40 years when friends talked him into trying his skills in the Senior Olympics five years ago. He has medaled in the district and state divisions of the 85-89-year-old bowling division four consecutive years and is currently the state individual gold medalist.
At 89, Mr. Abel regularly bowls 279 to 289 out of a possible 300 — and that’s scratch, meaning no handicap.
Mr. Abel resides on the farm in Dayton, Tenn., his family has worked since 1919. The retiree from Robinson Manufacturing still drives, and makes three trips a week to bowl in league play at the Holiday Bowl in Hixson. He also bowls weekly in a Dayton bowling facility.
Ginny Stone at Alexian Brothers Senior Neighbors says Mr. Abel and Martha Swasey, who won four gold medals in last year’s district Senior Olympics at age 90, are representative of what Senior Olympics stand for: healthy lifestyles into the senior years through fitness and active involvement in life.
Q: How did you choose bowling as a hobby?
A:I got started because a new bowling alley opened with eight lanes in Dayton in 1961. A friend started a team and asked me to join. In spring 1962, we had a fire in the bowling lane and some of the Dayton teams came down to Hixson to finish the league’s play. While bowling at Hixson, Austin White asked me to bowl with his team. If not for Austin, I probably never would have bowled in Chattanooga.
Q: Other than the obvious exercise benefits, what have you gained from participating in Senior Olympics?
A: The friends you make; new friends and lasting friendships. That’s the most interesting part of it.
Q: What’s the best score you’ve bowled?
A: (A) 289 in league and 712 in series (a set of three games).
Q: What’s your technique?
A: I use a 15-pound ball. Keep your shoulders square with the line. Use a pendulum swing. Release the ball down low with your fingers. Slide and follow through as you release the ball. A regular bowler would just throw it.
Q: Will you be competing in Senior Olympics this spring?
A: Yes, but I’ll move up into the 90-95-year-old division. I compete in individual and doubles bowling. My partner is Joe Vandagriff.
Susan Palmer Pierce is a reporter and columnist in the Life department. She began her journalism career as a summer employee 1972 for the News Free Press, typing bridal announcements and photo captions. She became a full-time employee in 1980, working her way up to feature writer, then special sections editor, then Lifestyle editor in 1995 until the merge of the NFP and Times in 1999. She was honored with the 2007 Chattanooga Woman of ...
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