Dee Devlin is wearing a bowling glove and drinking a protein shake. Her bowling ball is purple and teal and glitters in the right light. She is an 86-year-old Alley Cat.

Dee Devlin is wearing a bowling glove and drinking a protein shake. Her bowling ball is purple and teal and glitters in the right light. She is an 86-year-old Alley Cat. Devlin moved from Ohio to Sarasota when she was 21, and back then she was a cowgirl horseback rider and sailed boats. She learned to bowl when she was 80 and joined the Sarasota Yacht Club bowling league. She joined the Bird Key Yacht Club league last year because she wanted to bowl more. Last year her average was 133.

How did you get into bowling?
Well, my husband died and I realized my friends were all dead and I had to find more friends. I knew Sarasota Yacht Club had a team so I called them and told them I wanted to join. Then I had to learn how to bowl real quick. It was on a Wednesday when I called, so I asked if there was anyone who could teach me to bowl by Sunday.

So, did you learn by Sunday?
Sure I did! The pro at Sarasota Lanes at the time taught me.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of bowling?
The friends you make and meet. And, that it’s indoors and air-conditioned.

What’s the hardest part of bowling?
Getting to the alley by 9:30 a.m. I hate to get out of bed!

What’s the hardest formation to bowl?
The 10-pin. I hate the 10-pin — it has to be outlawed.

What is your favorite Olympic sport to watch and why?
Open jumping (horse jumping) — it’s just thrilling. All girls love horses, didn’t you know?

What is the breakfast of champions?
Wheaties. It’s the best breakfast food in the land.

• SHARE
• Email This Page
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Google Bookmarks