Making the national finals of the Youth Bowling Council (YBC) is extremely difficult, but to do so two consecutive years is amazing.

Jordan Loewen, 11, is representing Alberta in the YBC bantam boys singles national championship in Regina, May 5-7, and at such a young age he carries an average that would be the envy of many adults.

Jordan had few words about his success but his determination and confidence were evident.

"I really enjoy it and I'm really good at it."

His grandmother Judy Burge says he's always been fascinated with the sport, ever since she and her husband took him to the lanes as an infant.

"When he was first born we use to bring him as a tiny baby, sitting in one of those chairs and he would sit intently and watch the whole game, not a peep out of him. Then when he was about three I took him down to the lanes, gave him a ball and he's played ever since."

Jordan bowls up to three times a week at the Cochrane Lanes and YBC has the lanes on Saturday mornings, though their season is now over until the fall.

In what is known as the Four Steps to Stardom, Loewen climbed his way into the national championship after being named Alberta champ in St. Albert. He's carrying a 207 average going into Regina.

He's also participating in the first ever YBC National Trios event that sees Alberta's top bantam, junior and senior team up to compete against 11 other teams across Canada.

Local pinhead Trevor Desormeaux, who has been to the YBC nationals four times himself, struck up a mentorship with Jordan last season and says he has a unique talent at the sport. 

"You don't have to tell him much actually. I've never seen anyone his age throw a bowling ball the way he does and I've been around this sport for a long time."

"We bowl a couple times a week together and I have a tough time beating him now."

Last year, Loewen finished fourth at the national championship host by Gatineau, QC. This year he has high hopes of bringing home the trophy.

Earlier this season, Cochrane Lanes hosted the YBC Combo Team South Provincial Championship. It was a close right to the finish and the Cochrane Lanes team of Amaya Habijanac, Jordan Loewen and Jaxon Loewen came out on top.

You can find out more about youth bowling and Cochrane Lanes by going here.