Rollin’

September is National Bowling Month, marking the start of league and scholastic competition. But before you assume that the pins are flying only in Midwestern meccas like Milwaukee or Chicago, consider the sport’s history and abiding presence in the San Fernando Valley.

Youth Movement

Granada Hills High School is among the local campuses with popular bowling clubs or bowling gym courses, such as the one pictured above at Brunswick Matador Bowl in Northridge. Despite its fogy image, the sport holds sway with young people who have opted for cosmic bowling--an updated version of the sport, complete with strobe lighting and disco music.

Going Pro

Many accomplished professionals have called the Valley home, including Robin Mossontte of Newhall, who lived for many years in Van Nuys and has earned Bowler of the Year honors from several national groups. The Western Women Professional Bowlers tour has headquarters in Northridge.

Heyday

Bowling alleys once numbered close to two dozen in the Valley, but have dwindled to about six. Entertainers such as Milton Berle and Morey Amsterdam used to help publicize them, while sidewalk hawkers would entice passersby to sample the air conditioning and automation inside such neon-lit venues as Glendale’s Sports Arena, whose 72 lanes made it the largest facility outside Las Vegas.