Georgia bowler makes first USBC Women's Championships appearance at age 91
June 03, 2019
By Christian Seaborn
USBC Communications
WICHITA, Kan. - It's never too late to be one of the bowlers raising their hand as a first-time participant at the United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships, and no bowler better exemplifies that enthusiasm than Frances Thigpen of Macon, Georgia.
Thigpen made her debut at the USBC Women's Championships this week at Northrock Lanes at the age of 91.
She's no stranger to competing, having played softball for many years. Thigpen didn't pick up the sport of bowling, however, until she was in her 70s. An injury pushed her from the diamond to the lanes.
"I played softball," Thigpen said. "Until one afternoon I was in the outfield and misjudged a flyball. The sun got in my eyes, and the ball ended up landing square in my left eye. I immediately hung up my softball glove. Now, I compete in the much safer sport of bowling."
Thigpen always hoped she would be able to compete at the world's largest participatory sporting event for women, but the stars did not align for her until the 100th edition of the event.
"Since I started bowling, I always wanted to come to the national tournament," Thigpen said. "But, there were other responsibilities that did not make it possible until this year."
She enjoys the camaraderie and friendships the sport and event have to offer, which helps to keep her active and meet new people.
"Bowling is like a second family for me," Thigpen said. "I like to get out and meet people and do things. I have really enjoyed that about bowling at home, and now at this great event."
In her Women's Championships debut, Thigpen rolled sets of 429 in doubles, 338 in singles and 331 in team for a 1,098 all-events total.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Women's Championships page.
USBC Communications
WICHITA, Kan. - It's never too late to be one of the bowlers raising their hand as a first-time participant at the United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships, and no bowler better exemplifies that enthusiasm than Frances Thigpen of Macon, Georgia.
Thigpen made her debut at the USBC Women's Championships this week at Northrock Lanes at the age of 91.
She's no stranger to competing, having played softball for many years. Thigpen didn't pick up the sport of bowling, however, until she was in her 70s. An injury pushed her from the diamond to the lanes.
"I played softball," Thigpen said. "Until one afternoon I was in the outfield and misjudged a flyball. The sun got in my eyes, and the ball ended up landing square in my left eye. I immediately hung up my softball glove. Now, I compete in the much safer sport of bowling."
Thigpen always hoped she would be able to compete at the world's largest participatory sporting event for women, but the stars did not align for her until the 100th edition of the event.
"Since I started bowling, I always wanted to come to the national tournament," Thigpen said. "But, there were other responsibilities that did not make it possible until this year."
She enjoys the camaraderie and friendships the sport and event have to offer, which helps to keep her active and meet new people.
"Bowling is like a second family for me," Thigpen said. "I like to get out and meet people and do things. I have really enjoyed that about bowling at home, and now at this great event."
In her Women's Championships debut, Thigpen rolled sets of 429 in doubles, 338 in singles and 331 in team for a 1,098 all-events total.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Women's Championships page.