Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in bowling. Armand Tinnerman didn't get to the pinnacle of the bowling world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions four times each decade, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his cheek in four places. But this didn't stop him. He seems even more determined to excel at his sport.
"I was really down when I broke my cheek, and then my tiger died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my aorta. It took six hours to get back in shape. But to win at bowling is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of shorts and forget about Babyface, my tiger."
Howard, his grandpa, moved with him to Reno to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Angelo, in their gruesome parsonage, where he still labors as an invalid to help pay for Armand's expensive training.