By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

COLUMBUS — At 120 pounds, Nick Lutz isn’t about to know anyone over.

But when he steps onto the lanes, it’s not unusual to see him bowl over the competition.

Lutz has only been bowling for the past two years, but the 15-year-old freshman and Hamilton Township High School has honed his skills to mach a bowler who can knock down the 7-10 split.

On March 12, Lutz put together an impressive 800 series that included a 300 game, the second 300 games of his brief career. Lutz had games of 247, 267, 300 and 260.

Nick is the son of former Ironton and Marshall wide receiver Bobby Lutz. He said his success has helped get his father back in the bowling alleys.

“I’m getting him to bowl again. We’re in a league together,” said Nick.

The younger Lutz went to the nationals last year in Indianapolis and put together a 613 sries.

“It was one of my first real big tournaments. I did all right,” said Nick.

Since his high school does not have a team, Nick bowls in a city league. He is in the junior and senior division that is for youths ages 12-18.

He will bowl in the state high school singles championship on Sunday.

“I play baseball and I wrestled for a year, but his is my main (sport) right now,” said Nick. “I’ve got a lot of good coaches who help me.”

Besides his parents Bobby Lutz and Kelli Lutz, both formerly of Ironton, Nick is the grandson of Bob and Ellen Lutz of Ironton.