By Troy Bassett\reporter

Seventeen students made their way to Showplace Lanes in Bedford Feb. 5 to take part in NE Campus’ intramural bowling event.

A good mix of student bowlers ranged from students like Kevin Bui, who has only bowled for a few weeks, to Ralph Tobin, who at 63 years old has bowled his entire life.

Tobin said he took the bowling class at TCC because his wife wanted him to, but now says he is glad he enrolled. He bowled frequently in his 20s, but because of life getting in the way, he took a break from the sport for 40 years.

Tobin didn’t lose all of his talent in that time, though, as he won the individual game with a score of 151.

“It’s a good sport for everybody,” he said, “It doesn’t matter what age you are.”

Tobin doesn’t plan on taking another break from the game any time soon either, especially so he can take advantage of senior discounts.

“In about another year or two, I can come back and take the class for free,” he said.

Last week, Melissa Lewis, HPE secretary on NE Campus, accomplished what every bowler dreams of by bowling a perfect game.

On this day, she played the role of mentor more than competitor as she gave pointers to anyone who asked on everything from technique to equipment.

Bui came into the day without much confidence in his bowling game, describing himself as “average to below average.” Although at the end of the day, he said his bowling “could’ve been better,” he said it was a lot of fun. His team for the Scotch Doubles game even came in second, which meant Bui left Showplace Lanes with a prize.

All in all, Kevin Harper, who teaches a bowling class on NE Campus described the day as a success.

Harper said 17 bowlers was a great turnout for an event like this.

Although such bowling events usually only happen once a semester, events take place almost every Friday with everything from basketball to dodgeball or ping pong.