Centenarian rolls into bowling history

A Centenarian becomes the oldest competitor in US women`s bowling championship.

Reno, April 20: A 100-year-old woman from New Jersey has become the oldest competitor in the history of the United States Bowling Congress Women`s Championships.Emma Hendrickson of Morris Plains, NJ, was presented Saturday night with a plaque and a medallion to commemorate her 50th consecutive appearance in the tournament. She also received a pendant with her birthstone in recognition of her status as the tournament`s oldest participant.

The great-great-grandmother rolled a 115, 97 and 106 for a 318 series during team competition at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno. Hendrickson, who celebrated her birthday less than a month ago, said her teammates sometimes help her line up because her eyesight has diminished over the years. "I can see the ten pins standing clearly, but it`s difficult to see what pins are standing for spares," she said. Hendrickson previously shared the record with Ethel Brunnick of Santa Monica, Calif., who competed in 1987 at 99. Hendrickson`s bowling activity is supported by her 27 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Her husband and two children have passed away. "I think it`s what keeps her going," granddaughter Karen Mariani, 45, told the Reno Gazette-Journal. "It`s something she did with her husband, with our mother." She has no plans to stop; she has already signed up to compete in the 2010 event in El Paso, Texas. Bureau Report