NEOSHO, Mo. — It’s a sport that some say dates back to ancient Egypt. More than 95 million people are estimated to participate in this sport in approximately 90 countries. As gas prices and temperatures rise, more and more people are turning to entertainment and recreation that is close to home.

That’s good news for Neosho bowling alley owner Dennis Magdaleno, who credits the featuring of the sport on television, as well as the heat and sluggish economy, as contributing to the continued popularity of bowling.

“We have seen a few more new customers lately; I’m sure the TV exposure helps,” said Magdaleno. “I think this week is the start of hot enough weather to bring them in.”

Magdaleno, along with his wife Paula, owns three area bowling alleys — Edgewood Bowl, near the intersection of highways 56 and 60 in Neosho; Flower Box Lanes, located just off the downtown Neosho square; and the bowling alley in Anderson.

“I believe a Mr. Harris and a Mr. Gardner built the Neosho movie theater and the Edgewood Bowl in the late 1950s. Pro bowler Ed Wyatt and his wife, Joann, took ownership of the bowling center in the late 1960s,” said Magdaleno.

“I worked as a pin chaser for the Wyatts in the mid- to late 1970s. Got some good lessons from the pro. Bill and Ines Edwards took over ownership in the early 1980s. In 1985, a center came on the market in Anderson, and that was our first purchase in the bowling world. In 1993, the Edgewood Bowl came on the market and we took ownership in April from the Edwardses. R.J. Moore offered Flower Box Lanes for sale when he heard we were buying Edgewood.”

Today’s bowler profile, according to Magdaleno, is slightly more male than female players, a member of Generation Y, social, competitive and a team player, traits that are often referred to as a “kegler” from a German word meaning to bowl.

“We have seen an increase in league bowling more than anything else. After a 10-year decline, it is great to see an increase in leagues,” said Magdaleno. “New bowlers are coming in that have never bowled and people that haven’t bowled in a long time are trying leagues again.”

The Edgewood location is known to many as the bowling lanes sporting the giant bowling ball and pins mural on the west side. Created by Anderson muralist Lis McCool, the interior of the building also boasts elaborate murals by the same artist. Expanded retail options near the Edgewood Center have meant increased visibility for the lanes.

“I think more exposure due to a higher traffic count has had to be good for business,” said Magdaleno.

Continuing to work toward attracting new bowlers to an activity that he considers fun for the whole family and enjoyable for a lifetime, Magdaleno created a “best bowl for your buck” promotion, offering one dollar games and one dollar shoe rental during specific times of the week. It’s his way of attempting to boost the economy.

“Now that’s a stimulus plan!” he said.