Three strikes and you’re in — bowling brings fun, social interaction

BY ERNIE DORLING

There’s a story about the origins of bowling that says that historical evidence has been discovered claiming that William Tell and his family were avid bowlers (known as lawn bowling at the time). However, all league records were unfortunately lost to antiquity. Thus, we’ll never know for whom the Tells bowled.

When Sue Basso, president of the Viera Bridgewater bowling league, approaches the lane, 9-pound bowling ball in hand, she tries not to breathe. She wants her body to perform a series of complex movements that her muscles themselves have memorized. What she really wants is to become machine like, releasing the ball so that it will glide smoothly across the oiled wooden planks in an effort to destroy the 10 pins in front of her into nothingness. And when all 10 pins scatter for a strike, she pumps her fist in triumphant glee.

Bowling sport. “I’m working on it,” Crincoli said. “But at the end of the day, this is about the social aspect that bowling brings with it. I’m meeting a lot of wonderful people who are my new neighbors.”

Mike Demole, the manager of the Bowlero lanes in Melbourne, has been involved in bowling for 50 years. “I became addicted to it since I was a child,” Demole said. “I love the game for a lot of reasons. One, anyone can do it, as it’s based on your handicap. The game cuts across socio and economic ties and provides an opportunity to meet people from every walk of life. It’s also a great family sport.”

There are many reasons to take up bowling if you haven’t already. In addition to the social benefits, bowling can boost your physical and emotional health. Bowling has been proven to burn calories, build muscle and improve hand and eye coordination. However, one of the most important aspects of bowling is the social interaction it brings with it. Walk into Bowlero lanes most anytime and you’ll see dozens of people getting along and having fun. Everyone can benefit from a bit more relaxed fun.

For more information about joining a league, or simply participating in some open bowling, call Demole at Bowlero Lanes at 321-242-2695.

In the meantime, let the pins fall where they may. SL

“I’ve been bowling on and off since I was 9 years old,” Basso said. “I’ve lived all over the world and have bowled most everywhere I’ve lived, including in India, where I bowled my highest game ever, a 273.”

Basso bowls weekly in the league with her husband Alex and about 50 other people from the Bridgewater development. “When I was younger, I was very competitive,” Basso added.

“I’m still competitive, but now it’s far more about socializing and meeting and making new friends.”

That same sentiment is echoed by her team partner, Sue Parks, who, in just a little more than a year of bowling, has posted a 131 average. “I love bowling,” Parks said. “The social aspect of it is what I love the most. People are meeting new people and making new friends all the time.”

Sue Crincoli, who recently moved to the Bridgewater development from Manalapan, New Jersey, has been bowling since she was 11, and is working to get her average back up to about 130 after a long layoff from the