The New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association, which certified bowling as a varsity sport starting with the 2009-10 season, crowned its first state champion on Feb. 21 at Strikers East in Raymond, N.H.

No. 2 qualifier Gilman Chamberlain of Raymond High School edged top qualifier Nick Stilian of Pinkerton Academy, 221-208, at the NIAA Individual Bowling Championships to become New Hampshire's first state high school bowling champion.

Chamberlain defeated Justin Hickcok of Keene, 163-159, to reach the title match in the Championship Flight.

The fact he always will hold the title as the first state bowling champion in New Hampshire was not lost on Chamberlain. A senior, he has bowled in a USBC Youth league since 2004 and hopes to continue bowling at the college level.

"It's amazing," said Chamberlain, who wants to someday teach high school history. "I love history and now I've made history."

There were two flights for the NHIAA Individual Bowling Championships. The Championship Flight featured the top 32 bowlers with an average of 150 or higher; the Medal Flight was for the top 32 bowlers with an average below 150. The state champion was the winner of the Championship Flight.

In the Medal Flight, top qualifier Jacob Martineau of Keene beat No. 4 qualifier Nishon Radhakrishman of Souhegan, 145-119, in the title match.

For its first season, bowling was a co-ed sport and had certified matches but did not keep official standings. For 2009-10, the NIAA only held an individual state championship. Official team standings and team state championships are scheduled to be in place for the 2010-11 season.

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