One milestone was not enough for Dale Franks.

Tuesday, December 28, 1999

One milestone was not enough for Dale Franks. The question now is, will two be enough?

Franks, a 30-year bowler, rolled a career-high 801 series on the first night of the Harold’s Classic League at Albert Lea’s Holiday Lanes this season. He followed it in November with his first 300 game.

While Franks has put up better numbers under more difficult conditions – a 300 game and 837 series at LeSueur – that tournament was not sanctioned, making this his first &uot;official&uot; perfect game and 800 series.

Franks bowled games of 268, 264 and 269 for his 801 series, which curiously enough came after a rather frustrating session on the golf course.

&uot;I just came from a golf lesson,&uot; said Franks. &uot;Out of 50 swings, I probably hit three or four good shots. Consequently, being upset, I was a little more aggressive on the lanes the first night.&uot;

When Franks rolled his 300 game, surpassing his previous league-best of 296, he began plotting his strategy while commuting to the bowling alley.

&uot;I made up my mind to play straighter up the boards, and it worked for a while,&uot; said Franks. &uot;Driving 30 miles one way to the bowling center gives one plenty of time to plan.&uot;

Franks, who has a previous best league average of 224 per game, is currently averaging 213.

He bowls in the Harold’s Classic League with Dick Cashman, Butch Donovan and Gary Engelby. He also competes Thursday’s at Dream Lanes in Wells with Doug Kuhn, Merle Behr, Rob Redman and Rick Libby. Every other Sunday, Franks bowls in the Mixed Couples League at Holiday Lanes with his wife Diane, and Merle and Shirley Behr.

Franks and Merle Behr have competed in many events and won considerable prize money in Twin Cities area tournaments, but Franks declined to elaborate.

&uot;I really don’t take myself seriously enough to talk about them,&uot; said Franks. &uot;It’s only a game.&uot;