In the 1998-99 season, John Bulger rolled Butler County's current high three-game series with an 870 set during league play at Freeway Lanes.

Bulger is a part of an elite group of bowlers who have led the county at one time or another in the high triple department.

Ron Brandon of the Butler County Bowling Association dropped off a list of the high triples and when they were held.

The first 700 series was rolled in 1951-52 by Charlie Michaels Sr at Penn Lanes. The record lasted until 1955-56, when Tony Betty rolled a 735 at Penn Lanes.

Here's the rest of the list in chronological order. Harry Leighton, 736, ('59-'60); "Bo" Ordy, 738, ('62-'63); Chuck Souzer, 762, ('63-'64); Ralph Henry, 763, ('64-65); Ron Brandon, 769, ('64-'65); Ray Henry, 785, ('72-'73); Harold Covert, 788, ('77-'78); Dee Crowe, 802 (first 800 series in county history), ('86-'87); Ron Steighner, 810, ('86-'87); Kurt Huff, 816, ('87-'88); Tony Pizer, 821, ('89-'90); Lance Rihn, 825, ('89-'90); Jim Keefer, 844, ('89-'90); Ray Henry, 845, ('96-'97); John Bulger, 870.

Joe Bowler rolls his first ball, and, as the ball crashes into the pins, the two-pin goes to the sideboard, caroms back onto the lane and comes to rest upright in front of the pin sweep. Should the pin be respotted in the two-pin position or should Joe Bowler shoot at the pin where it stands? Answer at the end of the column.

On a Professional Bowlers Tour broadcast, one of the pros rolled at his ten-pin with just two fingers stuck in the ball. The pro used his thumb and middle finger and took his ring finger out of the ball.This would take some practice, but if you are having trouble rolling the ball straight, this is worth a try.Taking the ring finger out limits the amount of side rotation that you can impart on the ball, resulting in less hooking action.

• Trent Slater rolled a 300 game in Butler County Men's Traveling League play at Bruin Lanes• Dave Morgan led the way in the Buckhorn League at Bon Aire Bowl with a 255 game and a 627 series. Dan Bothell topped all bowlers with a 247 (675).• Linda Massucci tallied her fourth 600 series recently in the Women's Major League at Family Bowlaway, rolling a 236 game and a 609 series. Carol McCullough 190 (535), Judy Osche 194 (526) and Linda Murrman 217 (568) also bowled well.• Kevin Kniess topped all bowlers in the Mike Kelly Automotive League with a 287 game. Kniess finished with a 637 series. Dave Miller 266 (652) and Jack Elliott 257 (716) also had good nights.• Nick Slomer just missed perfection this week in the Automotive League at Bon Aire Bowl, tossing a 298 game as part of a 774 series. Mike Fair 247 (624) also bowled well.• Marie Kornrumph topped all bowlers in the Coins League at Family Bowlaway with a 200 game and 541 series. Judy Kennedy also bowled a 200 game in the league.• Bobby Eppinger led the Fox's Pizza Den League at Sherwood Lanes with a 257 game and a 698 series. Scott Walker 258 (694) and Carl Ealy 267 (673) also had good nights.

The Butler County Bowling Association Mixed Tournament this year is at Slippery Rock Lanes Jan. 19-20 and 26-27. Squad time on Saturdays is 2 p.m. while Sunday squad times are 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

The pin must be respotted if it remains upright and in front of the pin sweep.