Fujiwara, 91, keeps bowling them over

By Stanley Lee
Advertiser Staff Writer

Proving age is no indicator of one's ability, 91-year-old Seiko Fujiwara of Mililani bowled a 285 game at a Senior Mixed Handicap League at Pearl City's Leeward Bowl in June.

Fujiwara

"I guess it's natural to be excited," Fujiwara said of his game on June 8.

Through 10 frames, Fujiwara was perfect.

"I had confidence," said Fujiwara. "I was doing good so I felt maybe a 300 game."

Then in the 11th, his right knee started to bother him and it "threw me off."

The knee continued to bother him for the rest of the day. In the second game, Fujiwara was mad at himself after he bowled a 159. He finished the afternoon with an 193 game.

After his performance, Fujiwara received some congratulatory handshakes and will receive an award of achievement from the American Bowling Congress, according to James Regohos of Leeward Bowl.

Fujiwara practices four times a week and hits the driving range once a week to "hit some balls." Known as Fuji amongst fellow bowlers, he is averaging an 173 in the league that is comprised of nearly 100 bowlers over age 55. The league bowls every Wednesday at noon and most of the bowlers are in their 60s and 70s with Fujiwara, who picked up the sport over 30 years ago because of poor health conditions, being one of the oldest.

"For him to bowl that game is a feat in itself," said Regohos.

Added Fujiwara: "I'm 91. I'm lucky."