Stories & Pics

We will be posting stories and pics from the event here throughout the event.

Hollywood Nights

The 2004 National Singles Championships concluded this year with the annual party at the Riviera. The Hollywood Nights party took place in the Riviera’s ballroom. Guests were greeted by cardboard cutouts of Austin Powers, Homer Simpson, the Three Stooges, and Liv Tyler. Guests wore top hats and given roses and AmberBock keychains. A DJ mixed the tunes as partygoers danced the night away. AmberBock also provided talented Illusionist Rick Gerber to walk the crowd and amaze everyone with his illusions. Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman and WPBA Superstar Allison Fisher were in attendance for autographs and “Dr. Cue” performed one of his famous trick shot exhibitions. Click to see the pictures

First-Timer in Awe of Championships

Seeing is believing, especially when it comes to an APA National Championship event. It’s tough to fully grasp the magnitude of the event until you experience it yourself. Just ask Victor Hauk of Austin, Texas, who couldn’t believe his eyes when he stepped foot into the tournament room.

“It’s just so big, almost overwhelming,” Victor said.

With nearly 150 pool tables lining the Riviera Hotel & Casino’s largest ballroom, Victor’s reaction is understandable for a first-time competitor.

After playing in the league for the past two years, Victor was finally able to qualify for the National Championship and hopes to make the most of his experience.

Bridging the Gap to Success

Some might argue that pool is not the most physically demanding of sports, but don’t tell that to Sandra Cravens of Winter Garden, Fla. A longtime member of the APA, Sandra thought she might have to give up the game three years ago due to a lower back injury.

“I was literally taking pain pills just to play,” said Sandra.

Realizing that something had to be done, Sandra decided that instead of giving up her favorite sport, she’d just find an alternative solution. That solution came in the form of a bridge.

Sandra now shoots her entire match utilizing a bridge for each shot. She said it took a considerable amount of time to get use to it, but she’s finally starting to master her new technique as evidence by her qualification for the Yellow Tier (SL 4-5) of the 8-Ball Classic.

Sandra said her opponents are typically taken back by her use of the bridge on each shot, but she believes it actually gives her an advantage.

“I think it throws them off a bit and actually gives me an edge. It’s not an ideal way to have to play, but I’ve gotten use to it – it’s working for me right now,” she added.

Husband and Wife Cheering for Each Other

Patrick Aaron from Walkersville, Maryland, turns in his winning scoresheet Friday afternoon during the 8-Ball Classic. Aaron plays out of All Star Billiards back home. Patrick is competing in the Yellow Tier, and says, so far he’s happy with his performance, “I’m really nervous, but this has been quite an experience, I am winning and having a great time, I just need to get over my nerves,” said Aaron. Aaron’s wife Caroline (on left) also made the trip she has been participating in the MiniMania events, her final event is scheduled for Saturday.

Meet Allison

WPBA Superstar and currently the No. 1 ranked professional female player, Allison Fisher was APA’s special guest during the 2004 National Singles Championships. Allison made an appearance at Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday, where she gladly signed autographs for fans. Allison made several appearances during the course of the event to meet the players and sign autographs.

Northeast Competition

Rick Hayden, Massachusetts; Doug Turner, Maryland; and Richard Carlson, New Hampshire met outside the tournament room while they awaited their turn to play. Hayden and Carlson are participating in the 8-Ball Classic and Turner in the 9-Ball Shootout. “This has been a great experience so far,” said Turner, “I hope to win, just as every body does, but I’m here to have fun too. This should be a very competitive event, but if I keep the right mindset, win or lose, this will be a great experience.”

Arkansas Here to Play

Kevin Belknap and Scott Trimm, both representing Arkansas in the 8-Ball Classic waited for the event to begin on Wednesday. Prior to Opening Ceremonies, they stood outside the tournament room waiting for the event to begin. “This is my first time at an APA Championship,” said Trimm, “I’m very excited, the trip has been great so far, and I haven’t even begun playing yet!” Belknap is a veteran of the event, “I’ve been to a few APA events, last year I participated in the Jack & Jill Doubles Championship here at Singles, my team came in second, but we had a good time.” Both Belknap and Trimm will be participating in the Yellow Tier of the 8-Ball Classic.

Florida Player Looks To Improve on Last Year’s Top Finish

Most players would be more than happy with a 5th Place finish at the National Singles Championships, especially given the level of competition, but not Richie Pugliese of Hollywood, Fla. Pugliese (SL7 in 8-Ball and SL9 in 9-Ball) qualified last year for not one, but both, of the National Championship events - finishing in 5th Place in the 9-Ball Shootout.

Happy to have advanced so far, yet somewhat disappointed to come up just short of the finals, Pugliese used his 5th Place finish as motivation to once again qualify for this year’s championship in the 8-Ball Classic.

This marks Pugliese’s fourth APA National Championship competition, but this time he said he’s determined to “win it all.” He acknowledged that it won’t be easy, but given his past experience, his chances are as good, if not better, than most!

Roll Call

David Johnson from North Providence, Rhode Island just registered for the 8-Ball Classic in the Purple Tier. This is his first time attending a Singles Championship, “I’ve had a great trip so far, I’m really excited,” said Johnson, “Now I’m going to get unpacked then I’m going to practice and get ready for the event.” Johnson just picked up his player packet and jacket from APA staff member Joan Rellergert and is now registered to participate in the event.

Waas-sup?!?!

Mark Waas from Philadelphia is enjoying his time at the 2004 National Singles Championships. Waas is participating in the 8-Ball Classic Blue Tier. “This is my first time playing in the Singles Championships, but I’ve been to Vegas before,” adds Waas, “two years ago I was here for the National Team Championships with my team Philadelphia Wizards; that was a blast, we finished in 5th place then.” Now Waas is here to prove his Singles game and but he didn’t come alone, “a friend of mine, K-Dog, came out with me for support, he’ll be my cheering section throughout the event, I’m excited, I think this is going to be fun.”

Copyright 2003, American Poolplayers Association. Page Last Updated on Thursday, March 11, 2010 8:49 AM