Aztec Lanes Has Aztec Pride

Jamie Spector, '13, is a recent San Diego State University graduate who landed her dream job — coordinator of SDSU's Aztec Lanes.

The avid bowler holds a degree in recreation and tourism management and channeled her passion for her field with her love for bowling to obtain the position that she believes is tailor-made for her expertise.

"I've always had a knack for bowling," Spector said. "My family is really into bowling, so it became a way for us to bond."

"A knack" is an understatement. At age 11, Spector was bowling a 93 average. In high school, she improved to a 173 and currently bowls a 197 average. 300 is considered to be a perfect score, and most professionals enter tournaments with a 190 average.

Spector has been an active member of San Diego's bowling community since moving to attend SDSU in 2009. She worked for local alleys in addition to the old Aztec Lanes in Aztec Center, SDSU's former student union. 

Aztec Lanes

Aztec Lanes is SDSU's new bowling and games center located on the first floor of the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union. Participants enjoy 12 bowling lanes outfitted by Brunswick as well as a games lounge with five billiards tables, two table tennis tables and eight big-screen TVs.

The new-and-improved facility opened in January 2014 and offers a multitude of services, including recreation leagues, intramural leagues and bowling classes.

Aztec Lanes also boasts the newest, top-of-the-line bowling industry equipment in all of California.

Taking charge

Spector replaced former coordinator, Jim Mitchell, who she credits for showing her the ropes of the bowling industry. Mitchell also introduced Spector to Gene Lamke, a professor in the recreation and tourism management program who spawned her interest in the field.

"Jim was my mentor," she said. "When he considered retiring, he suggested that I take his place. I went through the entire hiring process. Thanks to his mentorship, I feel I was very prepared of the position."

As the Aztec Lanes coordinator, Spector is in charge of the day-to-day operations of the facility, including creating and maintaining bowling classes, managing intramural leagues, adhering to all safety regulations, event planning for the facility, managing media and machinery and making sure Aztec Lanes is staying current in the bowling industry.

Her eight years of experience working in the industry enabled her to learn the ins and outs of the bowling world. So much so, that she is able to fix mechanical issues with the equipment, should they arise. 

"My main priority is making sure our customers enjoy their experience here," Spector said. "Associated Students and Aztec Recreation's main goal is to get students involved on campus, and we adhere to their tagline, 'Experience it'."

Life on the Mesa

During her undergraduate career at SDSU, Spector enjoyed getting involved with Associated Students, including the Arc 'til Dark events and Aztec Nights.

Spector attributes her post-graduate successes to her time at SDSU.

"While studying at SDSU, I developed a great work ethic," she said. "And I feel that my studies really prepared me for the jobs I want to do."

Back to SDSU

"I'm really enjoying experiencing the university not just as an alumni, but as an employee," Spector said. "It's great being able to provide students with recreation opportunities and keeping students involved with the campus."

Spector plans to continue to strengthen her ties with the university by attending graduate school in the future.

"I love being a part of the SDSU community — everywhere you go in San Diego people are representing SDSU, showing off their Aztec pride," she said. "I'm very proud to be an Aztec!"