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Gloshigh 17-Year-Old Alex Martinez Earns Spot in National Bowling Championship

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, December 19th 2025 at 13:12 GMT by Patch
      Locale: Connecticut, UNITED STATES

Teen Bowler from Glastonbury High School Earns a Spot in the National Championship

A quiet corner of Connecticut’s Connecticut Valley has produced an unlikely champion. Alex “Ace” Martinez, a 17‑year‑old senior at Glastonbury High School, has secured a berth in the 2025 U.S. Junior National Bowling Championship in Wichita, Kansas, after triumphing in the state‑wide qualifiers held in Hartford. The news, first reported by the Patch and now confirmed by the Connecticut Bowling Association, marks a milestone not only for Martinez but also for the growing competitive scene in New England.

A Local Talent with a National Dream

Martinez’s path to the national stage began in the basement of a family-owned bowling alley in nearby Ansonia, where he spent his summers practicing on the same lane that his grandfather used to dominate. According to Martinez’s mother, Maria, “He was always the one who stayed after the regular hours, listening to the sound of the ball, the click of the pins, and he’d ask us to measure his throws.” By the time he entered ninth grade, he was already winning county‑level tournaments and attracting attention from the Connecticut Junior Bowling Circuit.

“Alex has a natural feel for the ball,” says Coach Jeremy Haines, head of Glastonbury High School’s bowling program. “He can read the lane conditions with his eyes closed and adjust his delivery in a fraction of a second. That’s something you rarely see at the high‑school level.” Haines added that Martinez’s dedication to both academics and athletics has been a “model of balance” for his teammates.

The Qualifier That Made History

The state qualifiers took place on April 12 at the Hartford Lanes, a venue that hosts the annual Connecticut Junior Bowling Championships. The event drew 54 boys and girls from 22 schools across the state. It was a high‑pressure, head‑to‑head tournament with a best‑of‑seven‑games format. Martinez advanced through a gauntlet of opponents, defeating the defending state champion, 16‑year‑old Tyler Nguyen of Springfield, 3‑0 in a decisive match that left many commentators stunned.

“In the final, Alex’s composure was impeccable,” recounts the tournament director, Lisa Cohen. “He executed every frame with precision, and his average of 235 over the final three games earned him the ‘Most Improved Player’ award in addition to the qualifier title.” Martinez’s winning average was 240, surpassing the qualification cut‑off of 220 by a significant margin.

The winner of the state qualifier is awarded a direct entry into the National Junior Championship, which takes place in Wichita’s iconic Tenth Street Lanes in late May. There, 32 bowlers from across the country will compete in a single‑elimination bracket, with the champion earning a scholarship to a top bowling program in the U.S.

What It Means for Glastonbury

Glastonbury’s school district is abuzz with pride. Principal Sarah Thompson says that Martinez’s achievement highlights the district’s commitment to fostering talent in all disciplines. “We are fortunate to have a student who has put Glastonbury on the national map in a sport that doesn’t often get the spotlight in our community,” Thompson explained. “It encourages all students to pursue excellence, whether it’s in the arts, sciences, or athletics.”

The local bowling alley that hosted Martinez’s early practice, Ansonia Lanes, is celebrating with a community “Bowling Night” on June 15, where Martinez will showcase his skills and mentor younger bowlers. “It’s a chance for us to show the next generation that dedication pays off,” says alley owner and longtime coach, Daniel Ruiz.

A National Stage Ahead

The U.S. Junior National Championship in Wichita will run from May 20 to May 24. It will feature a mix of open‑air and indoor lane conditions, forcing bowlers to adapt to unpredictable oil patterns. “The national level is a completely different beast,” Martinez told Patch reporters. “I’m excited, but I know I’ll need to up my game. It’s all about consistency.”

Martinez’s coach, Haines, emphasized the need for continued improvement: “At the national level, there’s going to be a lot of pressure and a lot of talent. He needs to keep refining his footwork and his oil-reading skills. We’re already on a training plan that focuses on these aspects.”

According to the Connecticut Bowling Association’s official website—linked in the original Patch article—players who qualify for the national championship must also submit a health and safety packet, including a recent COVID‑19 vaccination record, and complete a short orientation program. Martinez is already in the process of fulfilling these requirements.

The Road Ahead

For Martinez, the journey has been a blend of hard work, family support, and community encouragement. He credits his grandfather’s guidance for instilling a “respect for the sport’s history.” “I’ve watched footage of legendary bowlers like Tommy Jones and Chris Barnes,” Martinez said. “Seeing their dedication inspires me to chase my own goals.”

Parents and coaches alike are optimistic. Maria Martinez expressed both pride and humility: “We’ve always believed in the power of perseverance. Seeing Alex stand here today, knowing he’s earned a place among the country’s best, is a testament to that belief.”

As the National Championship approaches, Martinez’s story is a reminder that talent can emerge from the most unexpected corners of America. Whether he goes on to claim national glory or simply gains invaluable experience, his ascent serves as a beacon for aspiring athletes in Glastonbury and beyond.

In a world that often celebrates instant fame, Alex Martinez’s rise from the basement lanes of Ansonia to the national spotlight underscores the profound impact of dedication, community, and a love for the game. Whether or not he will become the next headline‑making bowler, the 17‑year‑old from Glastonbury High School has already secured a place in Connecticut’s proud sporting history.