Bowlers in their 90s have stamina to spare

By Ron Petersen

Like most other bowlers, Gus Boukal aims to keep his ball out of the gutter. But the 95-year-old also must worry about keeping his balance and sustaining stamina while bowling every week.

“I used to bowl twice a week for nearly 30 years but then I got too old,” Boukal said. “Bowling keeps you in shape and its good exercise. You also make a lot of friends and it’s a lot of fun.”

Gus Boukal is one of the six 90-year-old bowlers who bowl in the “Wins and Losses” bowling league held at Omaha’s Mockingbird Lanes, 4870 S. 96th Street. The Tuesday and Thursday league features bowlers who are 90 and over, 32 bowlers who are 80 and older along with an additional 40 bowlers in their 70s.

“It’s a great league and it keeps me busy,” 90-year-old Jean Jenkins said.

For the past 34 weeks, the bowling center’s 32 lanes was used by teams of hand clapping, palm whacking, overjoyed older adults who had a great season.

“Bowling here has been great for exercise and it’s a fun thing to do,” 92-year-old Duane Siedschlag said. “A lot of these people have been bowling here forever.”

Ben Letak, a 91-year-old retired postal clerk, enjoys the atmosphere and the rush he gets from picking up a spare or the occasional strike.

“It’s great energy and you get to meet a lot of great people,” Letak said.

The other two bowlers in their 90s include Sterling Chase and Don Gyhra.

--Bowling continued on page 9.