Friday, May. 09, 2008

Bowling: Los Baños native sets records for Arizona

Glenn Branco's out of state accomplishments make it home

Branco currently resides in Phoenix, Az, where he is a tour guide by day and fishes, hunts and bowls in his spare time.

"That's his life," step-father John Areias said. "He gets people out to the desert and takes them sightseeing." And then he enjoys his free-time hobbies, he said.

While Branco began his journey of bowling by mastering the art of 'old school bowling,' he has also come to learn the newest techniques of the sport, perfecting each new ball and lane, from wood to Guardian to the now used synthetic.

Branco's Tucson city titles include: Singles title in 1998 with a 741 series, Doubles title in 1990, team titles in 1992 and 2005, and Team All-Events titles in 1992 and 2005.

Placing fourth and seventh in the State Masters, Branco also placed in the Traveling Masters League. Branco was Bowler of the Year twice and was on the All-Star Team four times. Branco was also part of the Fresno State College bowling team in 1973 and 1974, where his team won two Sacramento team titles.

For the city of Tucson, Branco has been in the top 15 high averages four times, and his 233 high average was third high for 2007. His 233 score was the first highest score in the senior averages for 2007, first highest in 2005 with a 223 score and second highest in 2004 with a 226 score.

For the last five years, Branco's cumulative average is 225, 221 for the last 10 and 212 for the last 15 years.

Overall, Branco has pulled off a 300 score in 18 of his games, four games at 299, three games at 298 and five 11 in a row games. His high series in 802 and he has 150+ 700 series.

Branco is set to receive a gold ring and plaque from the Tucson Bowling Association.

--Samantha Salas

—Samantha Salas