General News
Tenpin Bowling, a family affair for Bec Martin and Brayden Warren
It’s not unusual for families to enjoy a social game of tenpin bowling, but for professional bowler Bec Martin and her son Brayden Warren the lanes are where the magic happens. For them, competing against each other in tenpin bowling tournaments like the Tenpin Premier League (TPL) brought their family connection to the next level.
Martin was originally introduced to bowling at the age of 10 as her family already had strong participation in the sport. Continuing the family tradition, Martin found a love for the sport, realising that it was something she could take seriously.
“I was never really a sporty kid,” Martin confessed, adding that she was first attracted to the thrill of the game, to then realise it was something that she was really good at.
“It’s a strange one because I did have a big break when I had my kids, but there was always something missing and that’s why I came back to sport.”
Taking his mother’s lead, Brayden Warren decided to try and make his mark in tenpin bowling. Soon enough, he was taking part in tournaments much like the TPL.
“I was initially going to her tournaments with my father. Seeing mum succeed made me realise that I wanted to take part in it as I was having a really good time,” Warren said.
For others, playing with their parents or children can be a little out of their comfort zone, but for this mother-son pairing, they couldn’t think of anything better. Sharing the lanes with one another has allowed the two to share a unique bond and be there to witness each other’s successes.
“Being here at the TPL is really nice. We haven’t ever had the opportunity in this kind of competition environment before, so this is a big thing. It is probably more for me than it is for him, but it is a special thing to share the lanes with him,” said Martin.
But how does it feel to play against your parents? Warren confidently said he feels no pressure when he’s bowling against his mum.
“I more so just laugh it off because it’s mum. I put the fact that we are mother and son aside and treat her like I treat everyone else, respectfully. I will say tho, we do get really competitive when playing but overall I really enjoy playing against her,” Warren said
“I’m out to get him,” replied Martin. “We are definitely more competitive when playing with each other. I don’t want him to have bragging rights.”
Warren is an ambitious young bowler and already has his eyes set on becoming one of the greats, much like his bowling idol, Jason Belmonte. His mother is along for the ride and happy to support Warren’s dream of travelling the world and representing his country in major Tenpin Bowling competitions.
“I’m pretty proud, he’s got an abundance of talent and he uses it. He is kind of newer to the world of bowling tournaments. Obviously, he has bowled since he was a baby, but as far as the competitive circuit, he has really come into his own wanting to compete,” said Martin.
Martin’s partner Adam Hayes also bowls alongside Martin and Warren. The two met through bowling eight years ago, after going through some major life changes. What originally started as a friendship has progressed into what it is today, with the entire family involved in the sport.
“We are a bit of a Brady bunch, all five of us, with my youngest, who has started taking bowling more seriously and loves that he knows more of the higher-profiled bowlers. My middle child went from disliking the sport to now getting more involved and joining Brayden, myself and Adam,” Martin explained. A true powerhouse family of bowling.