Steve Cole is not afraid to admit it.

Friday, December 31, 1999

Steve Cole is not afraid to admit it. He was nervous. Gut-wrenchingly nervous.

But he overcame it, becoming Albert Lea’s latest and most surprising bowler to register a 300 game in league competition.

It happened during the Trades & Labor League at Holiday Lanes in November, when Cole came up with 12 consecutive strikes to top his previous career best of 269. He carries a 189 average.

The nerves didn’t hit Cole until late in his perfect game.

&uot;I felt good up until the eighth frame,&uot; said Cole.

A Brooklyn, or crossover strike, changed that, and Cole said the sweat started to appear as bowlers from other lanes gathered to watch. The pressure mounted with each strike.

The intensity reached its peak with ball No. 12.

&uot;My legs were wobbly, my hands were shaking,&uot; said Cole. &uot;I felt like a tin man.&uot;

The arm swing, though, was perfect, and Cole hit his mark.

Cole leaped and yelled, &uot;Yes!&uot; as the final pins fell, receiving high fives from everyone watching.

Cole, who’s previous best average is 192 per game, finished with a series of 623.

A 14-year bowler, Cole has been a member of three league championship American Legion teams the past three years.