A Love of the Game Keeps Haines Coming Back for Bowling

Since he was 8 years old, Kirk Haines has been in love with bowling.

For almost 40 years, Haines has been involved with bowling centers all over metro Atlanta. It all started at the old Tucker Bowling Alley, which is a hardware store now.

Haines is the secretary/treasurer for the bowling leagues at Brunswick Gwinnett Lanes on Lawrenceville Highway. The only time he has missed time in the last 25 years was when family members passed away.

"It's a passion for numbers. I like doing stats," Haines said. "You're responsible for a heck of a lot of money."

In fact, league officers trust Haines even after his house was robbed in 2005 and league money was taken.

"It's a little bit of pride that they still trust me with the money even after what happened to me in 2005," Haines said.

Haines said it's a love of the sport that keeps him coming back to serve.

He is paid only a quarter per bowler per night (about $33 per night; not something that will get him rich).

"The thing about this league [Gwinnett's Monday Night League], it's probably the best league in Atlanta," Haines said. "The 17 highest bowlers, and the lowest is 225 [average]. It's a strong league. It's really held up. There are a lot of great bowlers in this league. They all like the competition."

One of them, Carl Muller, who's grandmother is in the bowling hall of fame, has been bowling in adult leagues since he was 12. Another, Brian Weeks, finished fourth in the doubles national tournament.

"Pretty good for someone bowling out of Atlanta," Haines said. "Some people grow up around bowling because their fathers are bowlers. It's totally unheard of for someone to bowl in an adult league at 12 years old. That's very, very rare."

Haines said through his bowling contacts have come new friends and sort of a second family.

"I had a lot of friends support me when the robbery happened," Haines said. "Some wanted to tar and feather me but there were a lot of people who supported me. This league is great not because of me but because of the bowlers. They hold together."

Haines recommends midseason or short-season leagues for those wishing to get a start in league bowling. Some leagues offer a free bowling ball to its competitors.