BOWLING ALLEY

In September 1966 the four-lane bowling alley opened in the new addition of the Johnson Student Union. It was included in the game room area along with a pool table room, space for Ping-Pong, table games, and room for dancing. The four lanes were put in at the approximate expense of $48,000.

The bowling alley was open to the students for recreational use every day of the week. With this new facility, the students no longer had to go downtown to bowl for fun or for class. Bowling physical education classes were held here.

Gustavus’ bowling team also used the bowling alley. Gustavus’ first bowling team was created in 1941. In their first conference meet at St. Thomas they came in just behind Hamline for second place. The year 1962 marks the first time that Gustavus had a bowling team to represent them at the intercollegiate level. The Gustie bowlers were fairly successful while competing in different bowling leagues and against many other talented teams throughout the years. As a result of the majority of the team graduating and Robert Helgason retiring from coaching, the last year for the bowling team was in 1988.

Plans for the new campus center were approved on October 20, 1997. However, in these plans a bowling alley was not included. The new campus center was completed and dedicated on April 8, 2000, without a bowling alley.

“According to Mr. Vic Gustafon, director of the student union, bowling in the union will cost about five cents less per line than at the commercial lanes.”

(Gustavian Weekly September 2, 1966)