GLENDALE, Ariz. — In the world of bowling, every spare, strike and split can bring out the competitive juices on the lanes.
Inside the Glendale Bowlero on Wednesday nights, 40 teams go head-to-head in a competitive league, but once the pins are put away, they become a family.
Now, they’re mourning the man who was their kingpin.
“It’s quite sad. Eli has been a big influence on me and my wife and my teammates,” said Kyle Zimmer.
93-year-old Eli Johnson, who was a longtime Valley bowling icon, was hit by an SUV near 28th Avenue and Thunderbird in the early morning hours of Nov. 1.
Phoenix police are still investigating the crash, but don’t believe the driver was impaired at the time. Investigators said Johnson was walking against a “do not walk” sign.
His death has many in the bowling community at a loss.
"He would greet you and just have a smile on his face and be happy to see you," said fellow bowler Sharon Ackrish.
For decades, Ackrish said Johnson was a force to be reckoned with on the lanes. He often offered guidance and lessons to young bowlers and had a smile that lit up the room.
Ackrish said Johnson taught her family everything about the game.
"He coached both my kids in juniors and he also coached my husband in juniors here in this bowling alley," she said.
She was hoping Johnson’s knowledge would be passed on to a third generation.
"My 9-year-old grandson was going to join juniors next summer and we were hoping he would coach him too,” she said.
Before the games started Wednesday night, like any fallen member, players honored Johnson with a 40-lane salute by rolling their balls down the lanes at the same time.
A foundation in so many lives, Johnson’s legacy now lives on through the players he’s developed, the stories, memories and tales.
Friends said he was an anchor who was anything but a "mister average."
"I’m going to miss his spirit. I’ve never seen him in a bad mood," Zimmer said.
Zimmer said walking into the Bowlero and not seeing Johnson’s face will be tough.
“Everyone’s got a story about him, that’s for sure.”
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