Lessons with Laynie: Bowling at Atomic Bowl

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RICHLAND, Wash.- Atomic Bowl offers premier entertainment to the Tri-Cities area. With 24 bowling lanes Atomic is home to a casino, arcade, comedy club and nightclub.

Max Faulkner, Owner and Operator at Atomic Bowl said they opened their doors in 1956. “Even though we have a lot of things here, bowling is still the foundation of the business,” said Faulkner.

League bowling is what Faulkner said draws a crowd on weeknights. “They are the foundation of the business, you can depend on them,” said Faulkner.

One of those league bowling teams is “Living on a Spare” a Thursday night crew of brothers and besties.

Anthony Belsito, Bobby Belsito, Dan Vargo, Dave Vargo, Cory Goit and Scott Hall spend their Thursday nights at Atomic repping their 80s inspired custom uniforms. Donned with a patriotic flamingo, the Vargo twins said their look embodies the spirit of Bon Jovi.

When it comes to teamwork, the Vargo brothers said they are always pushing each other to do better. “The twin power is coveted,” said Dave.

The Vargo twins met their now teammates, the Belsito brothers, back at grade school at Christ the King Catholic School.

“It’s the one night a week that we can get out and hang with the guys,” said Anthony Belsito. “And I get to hang out with my brother.”

Bobby Belsito said the “Living on a Spare” crew looks forward to spending Thursday nights together surrounded by other league players. “It’s like making 50 new friends,” said Bobby. “I didn’t realize they were going to be my people but they are.”

The Belsito brothers said their Thursday night league has anywhere from beginner to pro level bowlers from 20 to 80 years old.

“The 80 year olds are unbelievable,” said Bobby. “They have been playing for 50 years and they are not going to let you get away with anything so you have to be ready to play.”

The “Living on a Spare” crew said league nights don’t come without a little trash talk.

“You kind of feed off of that energy,” said Anthony. “Secretly we want to beat each other as well as the team we are bowling against.”

The culmination of bowling culture, etiquette and tradition is what Atomic Owner, Max Faulkner, said keeps the league bowlers coming back. While the beer frame isn’t a rule, it is a fun way to earn some free beer and to raise the stakes.

While there are plenty of different variations to play, the league’s favorite happens when a player knocks down all the pins but the 5 pin (supposedly the easiest spare).

Cory Goit explained, “Everyone is going to put their hands up and if you miss it, you have to buy a round for the team.”

Those interested in joining a bowling league or hitting the lanes at Atomic can visit their website.

 

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