Ray Harang had come so close so many times before, it would have been easy for him to forget about them.

But he didn’t. He remembered each and every one.

Four times he had rolled 11 strikes in a row &045; just one away from a perfect game &045; but each time the 12th ball came up at least one pin short. There was also a 290 game, and three 279s.

On March 29, it was Harang’s turn for perfection. The 30-year bowler finally garnered the elusive 300 during the Trades and Labor League at Albert Lea’s Holiday Lanes.

&uot;It’s a great feeling of accomplishment and elation,&uot; said Harang. &uot;What a relief after all these years of bowling.&uot;

Harang started bowling in 1974 at Lucky Lanes in Lake Mills, where he had a high game of 288. His first 700 series was in the American Bowling Congress national tournament in Huntsville, Ala. He has won a number of league championships in Albert Lea, Lake Mills and Kiester.