BUTLER TWP — The last thing Eric Anderson ever saw himself becoming was a state champion.

But that's what he is.

Anderson, 13, a student in the South Butler School District, won the 12-over handicap division recently at the Pepsi Junior State Bowling Championships at Family Bowlaway.

"I figured I'd go in there and bowl ... But I wouldn't do that good," Anderson said. "I never thought I could win."

The event had 246 youths bowling at Family Bowlaway and another 179 at Sherwood Lanes. Anderson carries a 108 average.

His average was 66 during his first year in the Butler County USBC Youth Association four years ago.

"He's been steadily getting better, year to year," association president Rick Reeder said.

He reached the summit at the state tourney last weekend, the first time Butler's hosted the event in nearly 15 years.

Anderson's eight-game series, with handicap, was a 2,009. His handicap was 1,104 and he averaged 18 pins above his average each game for the tournament.

"That's what's great about bowling," Gary Anderson, his father, said. "Everyone gets a handicap to make everybody even, so everyone has a chance to win."

Gary Anderson and his wife have been league bowlers for years.

Anderson finished 10th in the district qualifier, but the top 16 advanced to the state competition. Approximately 5,000 youth bowlers throughout the state compete for eventual state tourney berths.

Anderson became the second Butler County youth association bowler to win a state championship through this program. Brian Flecken did so nearly five years ago.

"It's an accomplishment to win that thing in any division," Family Bowlaway general manager Andy Hevesy said. "When Eric found out he'd won it, he started crying. It was a special moment for that kid."

Anderson will receive a $1,500 scholarship for his victory. The junior state tournament has given out $568,000 in scholarship funds during its history, including $29,000 this year.

"Eric is basically a quiet boy. You'd never even know he's around," Reeder said. "It was fantastic when he won. He was so excited. A new side of him came out. It was wonderful.

"We had some incredible young bowlers compete in this tournament. One girl had a 222 average and a boy had a 239 average. They were high school seniors.

"The handicap makes it an even playing field, though," Reeder added.

Anderson, Garret Undo of Butler and Chris McKinnis of Seven Fields were local bowlers who qualified for the state tourney in the 12-over boys division. Autumn Hepler and Ashley Lewis, both of Butler, finished 1-2 in the district qualifier for 12-over girls.

Sarah Michaels of Slippery Rock finished eighth in the state in 12-over girls handicap and picked up a $300 scholarship.

Jory Loughman of Lyndora placed sixth in the state in 11-under boys handicap and earned a $400 scholarship.

Other local 11-under boys who competed in the state tournament were Ryan Scott of Seven Fields, Jonathan Angello, Ethan Grimm, Seth Carter and Bryan Hindman of Butler.

There were 400 kids involved in the Butler County USBC Youth Association this year, including 180 at Family Bowlaway.