Andrea Galabinski Nancy and Bob Dryer bowl together to have fun and stay healthy.

At the age of 89, North Fort Myers resident Bob Dryer said bowling keeps him in shape both physically and mentally – especially after being injured in a car accident in October 2006.

He and his wife Nancy are popular at local Bowland All Star Lanes, said Sally Gartner, program director.

“To know how far he’s come, it is an inspiration to all of us,” Gartner said.

Bob had undergone five major surgeries, in addition to breaking a collarbone and an arm prior to his car accident, where he suffered two subdural brain hematomas.

According to Nancy, it was serious with a long recuperation.

“It took him two years to get back to himself at the ‘young age’ of 89,” she said.

They both credit his young spirit to bowling.

“It really has improved me physically,” said Bob. The couple bowls three times a week and is part of two leagues.

“It is a little bit of both – mental and physical improvement,” he continued. “I would suggest bowling to anyone who wants to repair in those two ways. It brings you back to life.”

“All Star Lanes has become our ‘home away from home,'” said Nancy.

“The staff at the alley is part of our extended family having contributed to his recovery in a positive way.”

Bob has been athletic all of his life. He even had a try-out for the Boston Red Sox in 1941 and was involved in two World Series wins in senior league softball games.

For many years he said his love was for softball. But two of his “hazards” were from his play with a local senior league – the broken collarbone and the broken arm.

Because of his car crash injury and the others, he had to give up softball – but now enjoys the bowling, particularly with the Lake Fairways League.

The couple have been local residents for over 20 years but are originally from Massachusetts.

“In 1971 he taught me how to bowl and we played in two different leagues while working 50 -60 hours per week at two different jobs,” said Nancy.

“In the 1980s while visiting Earl and Jean Sutherin, then living in Sarasota and now here and bowling in the Lake Fairways team, we had the good fortune to accompany them to several tournaments from Bradenton to Naples,” she said.

They credit the Sutherins as “coaches.”

When Bob started bowling again after his recuperation, it was slow going.

After an OK from his doctor, he started slow but now has picked up rapidly.

“After bowling all summer three times a week, Bob is now bowling on his own and is gradually getting his average up from 105 at the end of the 2008 season to 124 and going up all the time,” said Nancy. “He’s looking forward to being on a winning team this year in the Lake Fairways League.”

Numerous leagues are still forming, including a Cruise League and a NASCAR league

All Star Lanes is located at 2818 N. Tamiami Trail. The phone number is 995-2138.