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Published on 06/22/1998 All articles from this issue

LAH resident really knows 'Howe' to toss the shot put

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By Pete Borello / Town Crier Staff Writer

When 67-year-old Marjorie Howe tells people she likes to throw the shot put in her free time, they don't always believe it.

"People are usually surprised," Howe said. "They're amazed that I do it."

And she does it amazingly well. The Los Altos Hills resident will be going for her second national title in the shot put this October at the Senior Olympics in Orlando, Fla.

Howe earned an invite to the Senior Olympics by winning her event June 13 at the California State Senior Games Championships in Pasadena. She tossed the shot 29 feet to easily claim the women's 65-69 division.

Howe also competed in the discus, something she picked up just four weeks prior to the meet. Howe must be a fast learner. She threw 67 feet to capture that event as well. This means How will be going after two national titles this fall.

"She's a wonderful athlete with great natural talent," said Bob Howe, her husband and coach. "She's a much greater athlete than I could have ever become."

Bob, 70, has quite an extensive athletic background of his own. He competed in football and track at San Jose State. Bob also threw the shot at this year's California Senior Games, nearly qualifying for the national meet.

Marjorie said she and Bob don't compete solely for the medals, though.

"It's a great activity for me and my husband to do together," she said. "That's the most important part."

They train together at least three days a week, according to Marjorie. The Howes' regimen includes early morning practice at the Foothill College track and afternoon weight lifting sessions. The couple also enjoys playing competitive tennis.

Marjorie said she fell into the sport of track and field almost 40 years ago.

She was spotted by a track coach in 1959 when she and Bob were at a park throwing the shot with their children. The coach asked Marjorie to compete in the Western Regional Olympic Trials in Berkeley, and she took him up on it.

Marjorie finished third in the shot - two places shy of advancing to the 1960 Olympics.

Despite her success, Marjorie wouldn't compete again for more than 30 years.

"I thought it was funny and silly and I forgot about doing it," she said.

Marjorie received a reminder in 1991 when Bob told her about the Senior Olympics. They both competed in the qualifier, and Marjorie advanced to the finals in Syracuse, N.Y.

She wound up winning her division by launching the shot 32 feet.

The Howes haven't participated in the Senior Olympics since. But when they found out this year's event would be held in sunny Florida, Bob and Marjorie decided to come out of retirement.

"We decided it was a good time to try it again," Marjorie said. "It really is fun and a great way for older adults to keep their athletic prowess going."