“I knew what I needed to take the lead but I’m definitely shocked,” Furnas said. “I was not going in thinking I could win it, I went in to work on my stamina.”
Surgery and cancer treatments, as well as ongoing hormone therapy, have taken a toll on the 31-year-old’s stamina. Being back on the lanes is an accomplishment itself.
“There was a time I thought I’d have to hang up my bowling shoes for good, that I might not be able to bowl after the surgery,” she said. “But the most important thing was getting rid of the cancer.”
While she is happy to be back bowling, the season hasn’t been without some frustration for Furnas.
“My timing was off when I came back in August, it still is,” she said. “I’m definitely not 100 percent, probably more like 65.”
But the cancer is now in remission and Furnas knows how fortunate she is. So, while the title is appreciated – and a nice addition to the team and mixed doubles city crowns she claimed in 2014 – it’s her support system that she most values.
“I’d really like to thank my husband, my parents, my in-laws, the bowling community, Centerville City Schools and, especially, Watts Middle School,” she said. “I wouldn’t be back without everyone’s support.”
• On a roll: Jarrod Arden fell a few pins short of the open scratch city title – four to be exact – but the 31-year-old Riverside bowler is still on a roll.
Arden and teammate Tom Smith won the open scratch city doubles title earlier this season at Poelking Lanes South. While Dave Flemming edged Arden out, 785-781, in the city singles tournament, Arden currently has the lead in all-events by more than 30 pins – a title he would love to claim.
“All events is more than one lucky week, it’s bowling well in three different centers over three months,” he said.
Arden, who is averaging 235 this season, credits a new attitude with his newfound tournament success.
“I’ve always been a good league bowler, but in tournaments, I put too much pressure on myself,” he said. “I have a different mindset now, I try not to take it too seriously.”
• Big series: Robin Johnston came up big when it mattered. The 154-average bowler posted a 638 scratch series – her first 600 series and 176 pins over average in the city singles tournament. Johnston's 816 score helped her secure the women's handicap title.
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