Brandon Twp.-Twelve strikes in a row.
Alice Churchill was just one strike away from a perfect game.
‘The bowling alley just went silent,? said Churchill, recalling the event back in the 1990s. ‘That’s when a bowling attendant said he’d pay me $300 if I’d roll just one more strike.?
Her bid for a 13th strike and perfect game fell short’Churchill finished with a 297 game.
‘I’ll take it,? she laughs. ‘It was good game for me.?
While her attempt at bowling infamy fell three pins short’her drive to stay active and competitive remains.
Churchill, 83, was recognized last week as Senior Citizen of the Month for January at the Edna Burton Senior Center in Ortonville.
A Detroit native and township resident, Churchill was employed by A&P food stores for 28 years and retired in 1980. Since then, Churchill has remained active in a variety of sports.
‘Growing up, I was the only girl and had five brothers,? said Churchill. ‘I played baseball with them when they let me. Years later, I still play.?
Despite a dual hip replacement in 1991 and open heart surgery in 2006, Churchill’s activities resulted in an impressive list of accomplishments.
She competed in the St. Louis Senior Olympic Games, participating in volleyball, baseball and shuffleboard in addition to other sports. She also attended the Senior Olympic games in Calgary. In her years of bowling she earned 35 trophies and recently found a new love, bocce ball, which she plays each week.
‘I’ve had to slow down a little’I tore my rotator cuff last year so I can’t play baseball or bowl anymore. ‘Still, you just can’t sit around,? she said.
Alice was married to husband John who died in 1976.
The couple had three children, Sheryl, Gary and Dennis, along with eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren..