The modern version of ten pin bowling has been around since 1840. This was when the first indoor bowling alley, Kickerbockers of New York City, was built.

Tenpin bowling is known to come from German Kegelspiel, which was played in America during the civil war. Nowadays people can bowl in a league, as a sport. It has evolved.

“I didn’t chose to bowl, I grew up bowling with my family. Its something to do year round,” said Dennise Brown, a league bowler on her own time. “Bowling can be fun for the whole family.”

Bowling is a way for the family to get closer together and share each others skills. Not all families participate, but it’s a good way to have that interaction.

“Bowling in a league not only offers the ability to bowl but because I love it. It also makes it to where I can interact with people. A league allows you to keep an average that lets people know if you’re good or not. That also allows you to go to championships or competitions in other places.” said Brown, “Bowling leagues also offer me the chance to have fun, get exercise, to have the feeling of accomplishment, and I love the challenge. I also like that bowling in a league gives you a sense of being on a team.”

Being on a team gives you a variety of skills that can be used later on in life.Staying on that team enhances those skills even more.

“I have been in the bowling scenery for 41 years. I started february, 1972.” said Jim Allen, a worker and announcer of the tournaments. He has seen people go through bowling leagues, and experienced bowling leagues for himself. “Some history on bowling, I would say that it is fun and social, and it also offers exercise.”

Bowling league members don’t just let anyone be in charge of their league, it depends on your skills and what you can offer the team.

“I didn’t chose my position. I was voted in and that is how you become a secretary of a bowling league.” said Gerke, “Being in charge offers me a lot of work but I really enjoy it. I love people, and I love talking with all the bowlers and getting to know people.”

Getting into a bowling league is not as hard as most people think it is. Bowling can be for everyone.

“Advice I would give to someone new would be to call the bowling alleys and ask questions. Figure out what you want, and what’s best for you. The workers at the bowling alleys can help you the best.” said Gerke. “There are a lot of leagues out there. Every bowling alley has at least 1 league everyday, some alleys even have 3 leagues in one day,”

Leagues are all over the world but not all of them are the same. It all depends on which one suits you the best.

“The league I liked the best was when I played in Kilgore, Texas. I liked it because my husband and I bowled with a couple we were friends with. The league was not only highly competitive, but it was also a lot of fun. It made me a better bowler.” said Brown.

Bowling leagues are all different in their own way. Some say they teach you respect and give you social skills. Others prefer to be competitive and only interact with their own team.

“Most of the bowling leagues out there have their own theme, ours is “Vegas”. There are even bar bowling teams, and some that don’t have themes and they just bowl.” said Gerke.

From offering people the chance to have fun and be around people, bowling leagues are a really good way to find relationships and friendships.

“The best thing that bowling has done for me I would say is my marriage. My husband and I met in a bowling league and we have been together for 31 years,” said Brown.