Tuesday, Mar. 11, 2008
Bar offers Wii bowling league
Kristin Babcock
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ReprintJoAnna Smith was first in line Monday to sign up for a new bowling league at Freddy Ts Bar and Grill.
The 10-week league hits the tenpins using a big-screen TV and the Nintendo game system Wii. So instead of rented bowling shoes, Smith picked up a wireless controller, swung her arm through the air and rolled her virtual bowling ball down the lane.
Its my local bar, so I am here all the time, Smith said. I dont have a problem making a fool of myself here.
Wii Bowling is offered at the bar and grill by the Midwestern Unusual Sports Association. Shawn Catlin owns the seventh branch of the alternative athlete organization in the Kansas City area. He started with a kickball league in the summer of 2007. He plans to offer flag football and dodgeball later this year.
We attract a lot of nontypical athlete people, he said. Jocks arent usually the ones to play kickball. I mean, when was the last time you played kickball? Usually its in elementary school. This is something different for adults.
Catlin said Wii seemed like a good fit for alternative sports fans. He has found the ones who play kickball or other alternative sports are ones who want to meet people. For instance, Mike Valent moved to Olathe last week. After meeting a few friends playing kickball, he joined the Wii bowling league.
Its just a different thing most people dont think to do at bars, Valent said. I think it will be a good time.
Catlin said hes been surprised how many from corporate and medical professions have joined MUSA.
Its a chance to meet different people rather than a meat-market bar, Catlin said.
And, it gives an alternative for people who dont like to go to the gym.
Youd be surprised how much energy you use, how much calories you burn when you play kickball, Catlin said.
Smith, who had tried Wii bowling only once before, said she was more concerned Monday about getting used to the gaming system.
I like bowling, but its not as physically challenging as bowling, Smith said. It moves a lot quicker and you have a challenge of having to follow along the lanes without actually holding a ball. Its a lot of fun.