The Junior Tournament Bowlers Association of Ohio was formed in August of 1980, by then 16-year old Kyle Wilson (of Mount Vernon, Ohio) with the help many area bowling enthusiasts. Our first ever event was held in Mansfield, Ohio, in September of 1980. There were only 33 participants. The organization then boomed to average 75 participants per event in the inaugural first season. We continued to grow every year with tournament attendance averaging over 110 bowlers per event.
When the JTBA was formed there was only one division. The boys and girls all bowled together. The only award given to a girl was the "Girls High Qualifier Award", which was given to the highest girls score at each event. In August of 1986, the boys and girls were finally separated and the girls division was born. Since then, the JTBA has consistently averaged 15 girls per event and we're looking to increase this number.

In August of 1987, the JTBA expanded its horizons and started offering scholarship awards. Though scholarships were not awarded at every event, money was collected at each event and put towards the end of year championship tournament. A few years later the JTBA started offering scholarships at every event held. Today the JTBA is still going strong, attracting the top junior bowlers ages 12-21, in the United States. Though most of the competitors come from Ohio, Michigan, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Indiana, there have been competitors from other states as well as Canada.

In July of 2001, the JTBA took on a new look. Switching to a new format and new rules, and an effort to make the organization more appealing to the higher average junior bowler and to expand the Girls Division. In addition to the changes, a new Tournament Director, came on board, relieving Wilson of the Job which he had held since August of 1980. Greg Coulles, of Centerville, Ohio, assumed the Tournament Director duties. Greg is no stranger to Junior Bowling Tournaments in Ohio. Greg operates the Midwest USA Junior Scholarship Tournaments. Kyle Wilson remained as the JTBA Executive Director.

In June of 2005, the JTBA Executive Director responsibilities were assumed by Carl Pfeifer. Kyle Wilson continued to assist the JTBA as a member of the JTBA Board of Directors during a transitional period, before dedicating his attention to the head coaching position at Pikeville College in 2006. Bob Black, former PBA Central Region Director, and Jason Wunderlich, a six time JTBA Champion currently serve on the JTBA Board of Directors.