John and Diana Dodd recently became the new owners of the Big Spring Bowl-A-Rama, located on the south service road of Interstate 20. (HERALD photo/Steve Reagan)

The longtime bowling establishment recently changed ownership, as John and Diana Dodd took over the reins from longtime proprietor J.M. Ringener earlier this month.

For the Dodds, who are both life-long bowlers, running their own bowling alley is the culmination of a dream.

“We’ve always wanted to own a bowling center,” Diana said. “We’ve been bowlers since we were kids and both of us have always loved bowling. We’ve seen how bowling centers are run by corporate owners and we thought we could do better.”

The Dodds were high school sweethearts — and bowlers, of course — in Ojai, Calif. Despite a separation of almost 30 years (John moved to Australia and later retired after a lengthy stint in the Australian Army), both their passion for each other and their sport have survived.

After reuniting, the couple moved to Midland nine years ago. But a particularly good bowling game on Diana’s part played a part in them eventually moving further east.

“About a year ago, we bowled in a league game here ... and I rolled my best game ever,” Diana said. “And I told John, ‘We need to buy this place’ ... the owner happened to be walking by and said, ‘I’ll sell it to you.’ And that’s how we ended up over here.”

The Dodds have several upgrades planned for the Bowl-A-Rama. A fully-stocked pro shop is in the works, while the building’s snack bar and grill are being refurbished.

In addition, the couple are both licensed bowling instructors, so lessons are available, and John is a certified technician, allowing him to customize bowling equipment to the customer’s order.

John said that the couple plans a fun, family friendly environment.

“Bowling is a lifetime sport. It’s something I did as a kid and here I am at 59, still bowling,” he said. “It’s a sport where no one is trying to knock you down ... and the nice thing is that the ball always comes back to you.”

The Dodds said operating hours for the bowling center will be from 8 a.m. until midnight, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. until 1 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday.

The center currently hosts two leagues a night from Monday through Friday, but open bowling times are readily available. Also, birthday and corporate parties can be arranged.

For more information, contact Bowl-A-Rama at 267-7484.