Field trip "strikes" a chord for bowling enthusiasts

In November, all students at Abram Lansing had a chance to not only go bowling for the day, but to learn about the mechanics of the bowling alley and some of the secrets behind the sport.

"Bowling is a great sport," said Terry Gendron, the physical education teacher at Abram Lansing, who organized the trip. "This experience is teaching the kids something they will be able to enjoy their entire life."

While students played one round each at Cohoes Bowl, others went in groups to receive a tour from Tom Walsh, the bowling alley's owner.

Walsh demonstrated how pins are made—a block of wood is carved and then encased in plastic; and took students on a trip behind the lanes where they could see the large row of machines that clear the pins, return the balls and stack the pins for a new bowler.