Southeast Missouri leagues offer after-hours opportunities for co-workers

Fred Flintstone had it right: bowling is a great way to de-stress when the day is done. Bowling alleys in Cape Girardeau and Jackson are home to several leagues formed from local businesses.

Joe Seib, manager at West Park Lanes in Cape Girardeau, says bowling is a great way for employees to socialize outside the workplace because it's a fun, year-round activity that doesn't require much skill.

"Most anyone can bowl, but not everyone is good at basketball," says Seib.

For over 20 years, Quade's Masonry has rounded up employees, friends and family to play on their company bowling leagues. Trish and Keith Quade have always liked to bowl, and thought it would be fun to make it a regular team effort.

"It's something we both enjoy, and they always need sponors," says Trish Quade, office manager at Quade's. "We're always bowling anyway." This year, Quade's has one team at West Park Lanes in Cape Girardeau, one at Jackson Bowling Lanes, and two at Main Street Lanes in Jackson.

Terry Pearson, longtime bowler and line technician at Procter and Gamble, teamed up with other shiftworkers five years ago to organize their own league.

"It's a hobby of mine. I like to do it, I think it's fun, and I thought it would be good to get others involved," says Pearson. "We come together as co-workers without the strenuous work, and just have a good time."

Procter and Gamble has six four-man teams that compete every other Monday night. Pearson says that many of his teammates also participate in the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department's Corporate Games, which includes bowling as one activity.