PIERRE — Luke Eckhardt of Huron won the title in the U15 division of the State Pepsi Youth Championship, which was held March 23-24 in Pierre.
Eckhardt was ranked sixth out of the 30 bowlers who advanced to the finals. During the qualification rounds in the finals he earned the top seed and was never bumped from that position.
With the victory, Eckhardt has qualified to attend the Junior Gold Championship, which will be held in July in Dallas.
Eckhardt, who has a 169 average, is the son of Viola Trowbridge and Travis Eckhardt.