If you were to count the number of area children using the local bowling alley this summer, it would definitely be a strike, staff said Monday.

That’s thanks to a promotion that for a $10 flat rate, children can bowl two games free Monday through Friday from noon until 5 p.m.

“They still have pay the $2.25 for their shoes, but it has really drawn in the crowds,” said facility worker Toby Freeman at Andalusia’s Strikers Bowling Alley.

“Bowling is such a fun game,” Freeman said, and he would know. His whole family bowls, and even has taken home some state wins for the trophy case. Freeman said the children who participate in the summer program are asked to register each time they come in.

“That helps us in the long run,” Freeman said. “That helps us by having a pool for our youth bowling league. These children are our future bowlers. That’s something that every bowling house believes.”

Freeman and alley owner Don Dupree are currently working to get bowling recognized as an approved high school sport.

“The thing about bowling is that everyone can bowl,” he said. “I hope the schools do offer it. Bowling offers many skills – it gives the player discipline, it works on their social skills, and it is just fun.

“Not every kid can play football or basketball or baseball,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how big or how small a person is. They can bowl, and have a great time doing it.”

On Monday, one group was proving Freeman right as babysitter Emily Pierce of Andalusia and her charges – Carley Tillman, Annaleigh Fischer and Cassidy Tillman – were taking advantage of the lanes.

“It’s just so fun to throw that ball down there and watch the things fall,” Fischer said. “I love it.”