After 69 years of bowling, Dorothy Plummer is just hitting her stride.
Plummer, 92, has bowled three 200-plus games this year, with the latest one — “only 201” — coming last week.
Plummer is one of a group of senior citizens who get together to bowl year-round on Wednesdays and Fridays at Flint Hills Lanes. Plummer isn’t substantially older than many in the group. Gene Nicklin, who was traveling out of state during Wednesday’s games, is only five years behind Plummer; several others are in their 80s, too. Helen Thill, at 72, is the youngest.
In this group, however, age matters not at all. They’re out for fun and exercise — and high scores, like Plummer’s 200s.
“I think every time I bowl one, that’s my last,” Plummer said, estimating her average at about 140. “I’m up and down.”
Plummer bowled in sanctioned league play for years. She showed evidence of her successes, carrying a small wooden box holding a slew of patches representing tournaments, 200 games, and all-spare games. She traveled with league teams to tournaments as far away as Las Vegas, where she also earned a patch.
“After I quit the league, we just started this open bowling,” Plummer said. “I like it for the exercise and the companionship. I just don’t know what I’ll do when I can’t.”
That day seems to be a long time away. Plummer looks and moves far younger than her years, and she has genetics on her side.
“I had a sister and a brother that lived into their 100s,” she said.
On Wednesday, she demonstrated the technique that still brings 200 scores, even now: She takes a four-step approach to the line, swings the ball back behind her as she goes and releases it straight onto the lane.
Her delivery may have a little more loft than it had in the past, but the pearlescent white ball rolls right down the middle and takes a subtle Brooklyn curve at the end. Eight pins fall onto the lane, jiggling the remaining two in the process, but not knocking them over. Seconds later, Plummer knocks the 3 pin into the 6 and picks up a spare.
She turns around, beaming, punches her hands into the air and claps. Plummer clearly enjoys this hobby, just as she enjoys others that keep her busy.
The bowling group gets together on Tuesdays at the Recreation Center and on Fridays at the Senior Center for dancing.
“The women outdo the men,” Plummer said of the dances. “My, we used to have big crowds, but any more we’re not getting younger ones. I’d sure like to see more.”
She also walks frequently to keep herself strong and flexible.
“I had a garden about every year ’til this year and I mowed my own yard and just worked hard all my life,” Plummer said of her recipe for staying young. “I think that’s the main thing — keep occupied. That’s what I like about bowling and dancing. It keeps me alive.”