Local bowler wins senior tournament

Local bowler Reiders White Jr. recently dominated competition to win the 11th Annual Alabama Senior Championships in Florence for his first senior tournament victory.

"It means a lot to win the senior tournament," White said. "My first one ever. It means a whole lot."

White  won first place in open singles with a 357 handicap and in open all events with a 1,473 handicap and a 1,371 scratch.

"It feels really great to know I can still bowl like I can and dominate like I can," he said. "It's just a pleasure the Lord's got my health (where I can) do the things I can do."

Bowling has been a big part of White's life, and he has bowled several perfect 300 games.

"It's meant a great deal in my life," he said. "It's like going to the pros. It's like a pro bowler or going to the NFL. It's a hobby you love to do."

White said he will make the trip to Las Vegas with local Special Olympics bowlers later this month, plans to enter more tournaments and will bowl as long as he is able.

He also has a few words of advice for young bowlers.

"I would tell new bowlers (who are) coming on to just go out there and have fun," White said. "Enjoy it, and your game will pick up as you go. Once you start getting frustrated about the game, your game goes down. Just enjoy it and have a good time."