Turning pro has crossed Ron Lehman Jr.’s mind.

The 28-year-old Lyndora resident has the bowling credentials to do so: Five perfect games in his career and a 235 average this season.

What he doesn’t have is time.

Lehman bowls only once a week in the City League on Tuesdays at Sherwood Lanes because he works two jobs, recently moved into a new home and is looking to start a family.

“He actually thought about giving up bowling this year to work more at his other job,” said Erica Lehman, his wife. “I’m glad he didn’t do it.

“Ron loves to bowl. He’d be miserable without it.”

Lehman agreed.

“Yeah, I toyed with the idea (of quitting bowling),” he admitted. “But in the end, I couldn’t imagine not bowling for a year. I love it too much.”

The sport has been a part of his life since age 5. Lehman’s parents and grandfather were bowlers. His sisters bowled in youth leagues.

He averaged nearly 200 at 18. He bowled his first two perfect games at 20.

Lehman bowled two perfect games last year and already has bowled 289 twice this season.

“I work odd shifts myself, and with Ron working two jobs, we don’t see each other much,” Erica Lehman said. “I tell him to bowl a 300 before he leaves every Tuesday and to call me when he does.”

Lehman works as a manager at Toys R Us and puts in 15 to 20 hours a week at Red Lobster. When he’s working daylight at one place, he’s working evenings at the other.

Except for Tuesday nights.

“I have to set one night aside for myself,” Lehman said. “I don’t know why I’ve been able to maintain this high an average bowling just once a week.”

Lehman’s average has gone up over the past few seasons. He’s been bowling only once a week for four years.

His current average is 235.57, trailing only teammate Brian Marcellus (236.21) in the City League. The league has 31 bowlers who average 200 or better.

“I do wonder how much better I could be if I bowled more often and worked on some of the mistakes I do make on the lanes,” Lehman said.

The Butler County record for highest average in a season belongs to Tom Fry, who recorded a 241 in 2006.

Lehman, who describes his shot as a “power hook,” said he or Marcellus could challenge that record one day.

“We’re sneaking up there, but that’s awfully high to maintain for an entire season,” he said. “That may never be broken.”

Lehman has played pick-up football, basketball and baseball games through the years. But in terms of an organized sport, bowling always has been his game.

“My family got me into it and it’s always been fun to me. The skill level involved to be really good at this is difficult,” he said.

As for turning pro? Don’t count him out.

“I’d like to try it someday, after I’ve had some time to practice and fine tune my game,” Lehman said. “Maybe within the next 10 years or so, once time is available.”