Bulldog Bowl mechanics keep the good times rolling

FRESNO, Calif. – For Fresno State students, Bulldog Bowl is a fun place to unwind from classes and homework. For mechanics, it is a constant effort to keep machines running smoothly.

Bulldog Bowl has been open since 1969. Its bowling machines, they are millennials, dating back to the 90’s. With an old facility and old machines, there is always work to be done.

When the lanes break down, Bulldog Bowl manager Jason Tehee is the first to respond. He arrives early in the morning, making repairs to ensure the alley runs smoothly.

“I do the hand-on repairs with the tricky problems,” Tehee said.

Tehee has worked at Bulldog Bowl for over 10 years. Before he was the manager, he was the maintenance assistant helping in the back and on other projects around the building. Tehee has come to view working on the bowling machines like working on a car.

“If you don’t oil change it or service the engine on a regular basis, the car’s not going to last long,” Tehee said. “But if you do, the machine will last a long time.”

Although Tehee is the main man for repairs, being manager ties him up with paperwork at the front desk. That’s when his student employees step in.

During peak hours, bowling classes, team practices or large reservations Miguel Acosta is on the scene to respond to minor issues.

“One of the most common problems we have are pile ups. And that’s caused when the machine isn’t able to deliver the pins to where they need to be,” Acosta said.

Beyond pile ups, there are many other problems mechanics face.

“We have issues with balls not returning, pins getting stuck in the table, sweeps breaking, motors overheating,” Acosta said.

Acosta is the mechanic supervisor. Not only does he fix mechanical issues, he oversees the student employees. He creates a task list of daily and weekly maintenance to help limit problems with the machines.

“In order to avoid problems in the future we do preventative maintenance. We clean carpets, grease joints, check gearboxes to make sure they have oil,” Acosta said.

With 12 lanes to look after, it can be hectic but Acosta appreciates the mechanical knowledge and leadership skills he’s gained.

“I feel like I’ve grown in ways that I never thought I would in terms of how to manage a team, how to create routines for them and how to create a good work environment,” Acosta said.

Tehee is grateful for Miguel and the rest of his student employees for helping him get the job done.

“I can’t take all the credit,” Tehee said. “Through hard work with the help of the students, we make it work.”