The Alternative Press

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ - While many kids in gym class play soccer, football and baseball, Allen W. Roberts Elementary School in New Providence merged three different sports several years ago and created a game called Pins. It is a combination of bowling, basketball and dodge ball.

On Friday, fifth grade students played the sport in the afternoon and in the evening, sixth graders battled it out. The event is part of the sixth grade committee fundraiser that sponsors year books, t-shirts and an end of the year trip in June. For the first time last year, the fifth grade students participated and, because their involvement was such a success, the school decided to have both age groups participate again this year.

The game pits two teams against each other on the basketball court. There are several balls being thrown and they are aimed at bowling pins, which are on the baseline of the court or at the basketball hoops. If a ball is caught, the person who threw the ball is out.

While the youngsters hustled on the court, parents and highs school students supervised. High School Junior Morgan Mohlmann said it’s a great game and she remembers playing whe she was younger. 

“We’ve always played it here,” Mohlmann said.  “It’s one of the better games in gym.”

She added they used to be able to throw at each other, but stopped when too many kids got hurt.

Fifth graders Zachary Daly, Mason Villa and Dylan Flaherty were excited and amped up after winning. While they have all played in gym class, this was their first time participating in the Pins event itself and they all loved it.  

“Well it actually helps with your strength because you throw the ball a lot,” Daly said.

“It’s a big adrenaline pump and everyone is trying to win,” Flaherty added.