Few people would consider the sport of bowling to be terribly high-tech. Knocking down pins with a ball isn’t exactly rocket science, right? Anyone who has tried to keep score without the aid of a computer may beg to differ. As would a bowler forced to retrieve his own ball and set up his own pins.

While it may not be rocket science per se, there is a science to maintaining a first-class bowling alley, from the upkeep of the lanes to the silly appearance of the rental shoes, according to Rivergate Bowling Lanes co-owner Jess Hash.

One of the most important aspects of keeping an alley in good shape is maintaining and oiling the lanes, Hash said.

A well-oiled lane will help prevent a ball from hooking into the gutter, he said.

&uot;It increases the scoring potential of the lanes,&uot; he said.

Every day at Rivergate begins with stripping and oiling all 16 lanes, Hash said.

&uot;The stripping is a cleaning process,&uot; he said. &uot;A machine sprays a cleaning solution and then vacuums up the solution and the old oil.&uot;

Another machine then adds new oil to the lanes, he said.

&uot;We have anywhere from 10 to 20 units of oil on the lanes at any given time,&uot; Hash said. &uot;The WIBC (Women’s International Bowling Conference) says to keep at least three units on them, but if you only had three, it’s safe to say you’re going to have some problems with your lanes.&uot;

The oiling of the lanes, as well as the upkeep of the pin setters and ball returning machines, is the responsibility of Rivergate’s two mechanics, Dale Wheat and Clyde Mason, Hash said.

&uot;They can fix any machine in the building,&uot; Hash said. &uot;Every time these machines are on, one of them is here.&uot;

Usually special training is required before mechanics can work on the niche equipment found in the bowling industry.

However, &uot;Dale’s an exceptional mechanic. He’s been around these machines for several years and he’s basically self-taught,&uot; Hash said.

&uot;He keeps everything running, anyway.&uot;

Even an exceptional mechanic can’t keep people from stealing rental shoes, however. That’s where the bright red and blue colors come in, Hash said.

&uot;They’re rental shoes, and for whatever reason, people have a tendency to steal them,&uot; he said. &uot;You have to have something you can spot easily.&uot;

Not all thefts are intentional, Hash added. &uot;You’d be surprised at the number of people who forget their shoes here and walk out with ours on their feet,&uot; he said.

The bowling alley requires that people wear rental shoes to help protect the lanes, Hash said.

&uot;There are no nails in a bowling shoe,&uot; he said. &uot;The bottom is flat, so there’s nothing that can scar up a lane.&uot;

The special shoes also improve one’s game, Hash said. The slick bottoms allow bowlers to slide on their approach, he said.

Another reason for the silly shoes may be the attraction children seem to have to them.

&uot;Bowling is a family recreational business, anymore,&uot; Hash said.

While the bowling stereotypes of loud shirts and beer-drinking buddies was more accurate a few years ago, Hash said, the majority of his current cliental are families.

&uot;They can all come out and participate,&uot; he said. &uot;Nobody has to sit on a bench and watch while one kids plays. Everybody can bowl.&uot;

Rivergate offers &uot;Bumper Bowl&uot; for small children and special rates for birthday parties, Hash said.

Hash and his partner Mike Smith have owned Rivergate since 1986. Hash has managed the alley since 1977.