Bowling isn’t just a game in Columbus.

Columbus ranks fourth nationally in recreational bowling, according to the Superstudy of Sports Participation Geographic supplement, with more than 60 bowling alleys in and around the city.

While no other state has produced as many professional bowlers as places such as Texas and Illinois, Ohio has produced such bowling notables as Dave D’Entremont and Columbus’ own Bill Hoffman – both nationally recognized in their sport.

Remnants of the game date back to 3200 B.C. Today, estimates put bowling participation in the realm of more than 95 million people internationally, according to the International Bowling Museum Web site.

Its popularity in the area resonates with the high school crowd. In 2001, a 12-team high school bowling league held matches in eight area bowling centers. The league included schools such as Bexley, Pickerington and Reynoldsburg. Although the game is not yet recognized by the Ohio High School Athletic Association, there are over 100 high school teams across the state.

Cities like Columbus seem to be ideal places for bowlers, since the weather is often not as permitting of other outdoor sports year-round.

“Bowling seems to be so popular in Columbus because there is a big sports mentality in the area,” said Rick Foster, former manager for Capri Lanes. “When you’re stuck inside a good portion of the year, games like bowling are the ones that get attention and allow people to be a little more active.”

Karlene Sugarman, sports psychologist and business consultant for Liberty Adventures, points toward several factors that have an effect on why certain areas and populations of people are dedicated bowlers.

“Bowling has always been more of a recreational game in the eyes of a lot of people. As a result, you get a lot of participation from people who used to be active in sports and want to continue with some kind of competition,” Sugarman said.

“The fact that it isn’t the most physically demanding sport is also a draw for many people. It can be both competitive and relaxing to an extent.”

Even without an organized bowling club at Ohio State, many students still participate in the sport on a regular basis.

“It gets you out; gets you a little active. It isn’t that strenuous, and it’s fun,” said Bryan Thompson, a sophomore in marketing.

“I’m from Chicago, and bowling is huge there also. I still bowl on a regular basis while at OSU just because the game gets you out of your house, gets you away from school, but isn’t as much of an event as other sports and doesn’t require a huge time commitment,” said Steve Homewood, a senior in family resource management.