Updated: Saturday, August 24, 2002 8:07 PM

During the Tournament, we will be posting stories and interviews with APA players, pics from the event and video clips.

Keep checking back to see if you see someone you know

Open 8-Ball Team Shirt Contest Winners Awarded

APA members got creative for the team shirt contest sponsored by Kamsin Designs at the 2002 National Team Championships this year. There were many entries in the Open category which made narrowing the entries down to three difficult for the judges.

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winners were awarded plaques. The 1st place team also received $100 prize money from Kamsin Designs.

Open 8-Ball Winners

Open 8-Ball Winners
1st - Pool Sharks from Chanute, KS
Melvin Eubanks
Jerry Hutton
Matt Thomasson
Chad Cox
Selena Cox
Cyndi Wilson
Jennifer Slocum
Matt Koester

2nd - Pool Wizards from Ft. Lupton, CO
Paul Anderson
Don Cler
Ernie Betancourt
Larry McHale
Dee Dee Cler
Wesley Carpenter

3rd - Moose Lodge 842 from Great Falls, VA
Phil Cordell
Sherry Cordell
Bill Adams
Butch Gontz
Ginger Gontz
Rod Horst
Brandy Gilbert
Danny Mixell

Sportsmanship Award Winners

The following team received the Open 8-Ball Sportsmanship Award based on their outstanding display of good sportsmanship, positive attitudes and outstanding courtesy towards their opponents.

Open 8-Ball Division
Have Fear; Glen Burnie, MD
William Hastings
Paul Pastorek
Mike Lloyd
John Andolina
James Schroeder
Alicia Pastorek
David Stavinoha
Ladonna Puryear

Finalist in Challenge

Mark Brown of Philadelphia, Penn. was involved in the APA/Dr. Cue Artistic Pool Challenge sponsored by Diamond Smart Tables, Friday evening. He originally came to Vegas with his team to compete in the Open 8-Ball Championships; however, their team lost out of the competition yesterday. "We only had four players. We have seven on the team but two of them could not make the trip and the other did not have enough scores to compete out here," said Brown, "but we will be back next year!"

Brown placed 4th in the Dr. Cue Artistic Pool Challenge and took home a goodie bag full of APA prizes.

Dr. Cue Artistic Pool Challenge a Big Hit!

The final APA/Dr. Cue Artistic Pool Challenge, sponsored by Diamond Smart Tables, took place Friday evening. Twenty-five participants signed up on the spot to compete in the Challenge.

"The shots have to do with real game situations," said Rossman, "balls are frozen, some shots are difficult, but you learn how to adjust."

The Challenge included instruction and entertainment. "It's not what you hit, but what you aim at," said Rossman. The top five place holders received a grab bag of APA gifts, including a clock radio, key chain, jar opener, and deck of cards. The top four place holders also received a Diamond shirt, and first place received a Q-Lite.

1st - Randy Hanson, Frazee, Minnesota
2nd - Clay Graviett, Cape Girardeau, Missouri
3rd - Tom Maske, Cushing, Minnesota
4th - Mark Brown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
5th - Louis Herron, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Elimination or Victory is Just a Stroke Away

Earlier today, some teams experienced upsetting defeats as other teams displayed great emotion in their victories. Many teams were fighting to keep their spot in the championships, but were paired up against some very tough competition that ultimately knocked them out. The players took their time on every shot, analyzed, and whether or not it worked was up to the table to decide. Friendship Fire Company from Shamokin, PA met up against the Bus Drivers from Miami, FL; while at another table the Magnificent Eight-MA from Indian Orchard, MA challenged the Vipers from Lindenwold, NJ; only time will tell which teams will make it to another round.

RACK Power Team

The GTS/RACK Power Team was a highlight during the National Team Championships this year. The RACK Power Team, featuring professional players, Mike Massey, Tom Rossman, Robin Dodson and Steve Lillis performed a series of shots and shared their personal testimony for APA members all week.

The GTS/RACK Team "reaches people with the word of God through the creative use of amazing trick shots." During one amazing trick shot, called the "Trust" shot, Steve Lillis laid audience member Tasha on the pool table. Steve built a tower of chalk on the rail next to her head, placing the cue ball on top. She bit a piece of chalk in her mouth and Steve put an 8-ball on top. Steve hit the cue ball, which knocked the 8-ball out of her mouth into the corner pocket. Luckily, no one was harmed in the production of this show!

Mike Massey demonstrated his "Finger Pool" techniques, gave his testimony and his personal pool history and ended his segment with a song he wrote "Hometown Hobo." Robin Dodson and Lou Sardo also shared their testimony. Tom Rossman shared his pool history, testimony and of course performed some of his amazing artistic pool trick shots.

Pool Spirit

Ryan Middleton of Aloha, Oregon is here with his team Pool Fools and has become the center of attention in the tournament room. "I just did this for fun, it seemed appropriate," said Middleton of his funky hair design, "I guess it could be distracting, but I was hoping to find someone to sponsor me out here."

Middleton has been an APA member for only six months and his team made it to the National Team Championships only after their first session. "We are out here to support each other, I am a team player and this is how I am displaying my spirit and enthusiasm, this is a great tournament, I don't know how someone could not get excited out here," said Middleton.

Middleton designed his "do" himself with the help of Beautiful Faces, a salon in Oregon that designs Henna Tattoos. "The color in my hair and eyebrows is a gel, it washes out and I can change the colors everyday, the tattoos on the sides of my head will stay until they wash away," said Middleton.

Dressed for the Occasion

Roger Molnar of Columbus, Ohio is here for the Speed Shot Competition and could not resist wearing his "pool playing attire." Roger is here with "Sparky" who also traveled to Las Vegas for the Speed Shot Competition. Molnar was here two years ago to compete in Speed Shot and placed 18th. Today both he and Sparky made it to the Speed Shot Finals rounds happening tomorrow. They have entered many Mini Mania Tournaments, but anticipate the Speed Shot Finals.

Denise Fickle, Spanky's girlfriend, is a seamstress and has made five pool outfits. "Sparky wears these outfits to all of the tournaments he participates in," said Molnar, "we have been wearing our "pool playing outfits" all week." Sparky was not available for a photo.

Joe Bailey's Team Ready to Play

Team members of Joe Bailey's Team from Brandon, Fla. were waiting in the halls soaking up the excitement of the Championships. Buddy, Joe, Ken, Skip, Alex, Judy and John were deciding what to do with their day since they did not have another match until Thursday morning. "We don't play until 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning," said Judy, "but we are ready and excited!"

Torpedoes Secure a Win

Teams competing in the Championships were up and ready early Wednesday morning for the 8:00 a.m. Rounds. As Rounds were finishing "whoops and hollers" could be heard all around the tournament rooms as teams won their games to stay in the Championships. The Torpedoes from Knoxville, Tenn., was one such team who claimed a victory over their opponents Gee Cues/Mand from Colorado Springs, Colo.

First Dr. Cue Artistic Pool Challenge

The first ever APA/Dr. Cue Artistic Pool Challenge, sponsored by Diamond Smart Tables, took place Tuesday afternoon. Twenty participants signed up on the spot to compete in the Challenge. The object of the game is to make the most artistic/trick shots. Tom "Dr. Cue" Rossman set up a series of shots for the participants to shoot. Each contestant had two chances to make the shot; if he or she did not make it they were eliminated. If they made the shot, they were able to advance to the next round.

"By participating in this event people figure out what they have to do to adjust in order to make a shot, whether it is easy or hard," said Rossman, "by learning artistic pool shots and adjusting to these shots people can learn the system easier."

After several rounds, people were being eliminated and the competition got harder. After several final rounds between the last two participants, David Wells from Ajax, Ontario, Canada claimed the first place prize. The top five place holders received a grab bag of APA gifts, including a clock radio, key chain, jar opener, card deck. The top four place holders also received a Diamond shirt, and first place received a Q-Lite.

1st - David Wells; Ajax, Ontario, Canada
2nd - Joey Stephens; Shreveport, Louisiana
3rd - Tony Degregorio; North Bergen, New Jersey
4th - George Wells; Ajax, Ontario, Canada
5th - Mark Vesing; Ajax, Ontario, Canada

So Much To Do Here

APA member and 8-Ball National Team Championship participant John Scarlett was taking advantage of one of the many activities offered to members throughout the week. He was watching one of two Dr. Cue Artistic Pool Challenges sponsored by Diamond that are happening during the competition. "I'm excited to be here," said Scarlett, "I think I'll come back on Friday to compete in the challenge, I think I can do it!"

Scarlett is here to compete with his team 8-Up from Trick Shot Billiards in Orlando, Fla.

Pool Instruction by the Doctor

Tom "Dr. Cue" Rossman will be at the National Team Championships all this week instructing, entertaining, and challenging APA members. Tuesday morning Dr. Cue was giving instruction on the Diamond System, English, alignment techniques, angles and stroke development. He stressed that, anyone can hit a ball but knowing how to apply mechanics makes the system work.

Dr. Cue will be performing in three shows daily, stay tuned to www.poolplayers.com for more show information.

Open 8-Ball National Team Championships - Opening Ceremonies

The 2002 National Team Championships started this morning with Opening Ceremonies at 10:00 a.m. and Round 1 starting at 11:00 a.m. President Renee Lyle Poehlman welcomed and congratulated the 554 Teams competing this year. This year there are 2 Canadian Provinces and 41 states, with Florida brining in the most, represented this year. The 554 teams will be competing for their share of the $460,000 up for grabs; $40,000 of it has been awarded already to the Ladies Division winners, with $10,000 going to the V3's from Louisville, KY yesterday. $25,000 will be awarded to the top Open 8-Ball Team.

Thank You Stephanie!

"We just wanted to let our teammates Stephanie and Richard Difronzo know how much we appreciate them for what they did, they are true team players," said Larry DeForest, member of Miscellanus, "please tell them that Larry DeForest, Mike Caron, Ron Dube, Mickey McMiller and Rich Mische are glad they are part of the team!"

Stephanie is nine months pregnant and was a week overdue when it was time for her team to travel to the National Team Championships for the 9-Ball tournament. But the players did not want to let their team down or miss out on the Championships. So they packed their car and drove from Manchester, Conn. to Las Vegas for the Championships. Stephanie was unable to fly, so the couple drove the 2,600 miles to be with their team.

"If they had decided not to come we would have only had five players, and that would have made us a little nervous," said Mike Caron. The team also reports that Stephanie won her first match ever during the Championships!

Miscellanus placed 49th in the 9-Ball National Team Championships. There is not a picture of Stephanie and Richard because they left early Monday morning to start their trip back home.

Ladies and 9-Ball Team Shirt Contest Winners Awarded

APA members got creative for the team shirt contest sponsored by Kamsin Designs at the 2002 National Team Championships this year. There were many entries in the Ladies Division and 9-Ball Division category which made narrowing the entries down to three difficult for the judges.

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winners were awarded plaques. The 1st place team also received $100 prize money from Kamsin Designs.

1st - The Hitmen from Virginia Beach, VA

2nd - Chicks with Sticks from West Monroe, LA

3rd - Not a Prayer from Kenosha, WI

Sportsmanship Award Winners

The following teams received the Sportsmanship Award based on their outstanding display of good sportsmanship, positive attitudes and outstanding courtesy towards their opponents.

9-Ball Division - 9-Ball Black Sheep; Plymouth Meeting, PA

Ladies 8-Ball Division - WLTBO; Decatur, IL

9-Ball Sportsmanship Award not available

Florida APA Members Tie the Knot in Las Vegas

APA members Matt Reineck and Carol Vaughn met three years ago through APA League play in Port Charlotte, Florida. They started dating about 16 months ago, before Matt asked Carol's dad's permission to marry his daughter. "I thought it was really sweet that he cared enough to get my father's permission," said Carol.

"I decided back in March to get married August 24," said Carol, "but as our team was doing better, we qualified for the Local Championships, then for the Regional Championships, I knew we were coming to Vegas. So I called our League Operator to find out when the National Championships were, and sure enough the weekend we were going to get married. But I thought since we were going to be in Vegas anyway it would be fun to get married there!"

"I am the Team Captain, but keeping it together has been difficult! We are having company fly in from out of town for the wedding, I am planning our wedding and I have to concentrate on the main reason we are out here - to play pool!" said Carol.

Matt and Carol hope to say their vows this Wednesday, August 21 at 7:00 p.m., but it all depends on a pool match. "If our team wins on Wednesday, we can get married that night; but if we lose we have to get married later because we will have a match that night at 6:00 p.m." said Carol.

Reineck has been an APA member since 1995; this is his third trip to Las Vegas to compete in the National Team Championships. Vaughn has been a member since 1998 and is enjoying her first experience at the National Team Championships.

Lady Panthers on the Prowl

The Lady Panthers from Loveland, OH await their 2:00 p.m. match. They have won all of their matches but one so far and feel they are doing pretty well. "This is our fist national tournament and we are so excited to be here!" said Barbara Paul. "The tournaments are really nice, whether we go all the way or not we are glad we made it this far," said Mary Ann Miller. Mary Ann Miller (top), Barbara Paul (left), and Shawn Miller (right)

Chicks with Sticks

Round 6 put Chicks with Sticks from Peoria, IL up against Chicks with Sticks from West Monroe, LA. This 10:00 a.m. round found Paula, a Louisiana Chick, up against Tina, an Illinois Chick. Both teams are still competing to stay in the tournament.

Oregon vs. Oregon

Soul Papaya, from Beaverton, OR and Underground from Aloha, OR, battle it out to stay in the tournament. Soul Papaya team members sit on the sidelines to root on their teammate Chris as a member of the Underground rack the balls for the next match. As the match went on Chris' teammates get excited as he only had two balls left to pocket on the table.

The Competition Gets Tighter

The last full day of competition found the Corner Bar from Evansville, IN up against Straight in Tricks from Salado, TX. Mark from the Corner Bar racks'em up for his opponent. Mark quickly won back the table and the attention of spectators at the surrounding tables.

Sardo Fastest Break Contest

"17.1, 19.7, 23.1-SCRATCH, 18.8, 20.9…" APA members had the chance to win a Sardo Tight Rack, the Official Rack of the APA, during the National Team Championships. At the Sardo booth, a $5 entry fee gave participants a chance to prove they had the fastest break. Thirty participants per board competed for the rack. A radar gun measured the speed of the cue ball and participants were disqualified from the round if they scratched. The person with the fastest break after all 30 people broke, won the rack.

The Sardo Tight Rack is the Official Rack of the National Team Championships. Each table is equipped with a rack. "People have found the racks easy to use," said Lou Sardo, inventor of the Sardo Tight Rack, "some people had to get used to it, but now it's neat to see people have developed their own 'style' when racking." Lou Sardo will be one of the Official Rackers during the Ladies Division Finals.

Eloise Pearson

Eloise Pearson, an APA member from Boulder, Colo. and Crushers member will celebrate her 82nd birthday in a few weeks. "I've been in the APA for 11 years," said Pearson, "and I really enjoy it." Eloise plays on a team of friends who have been together for two years. "We were also out here last year, we did not do so well, but we hope to do better this year," said Pearson. Chris Stillson, Pearson's daughter, also made the trip out to Vegas to cheer her mother's team on.

Snoops Visit Vegas for the 5th Time

The Ladies Division Team, Snoops Saloon from Spokane, WA are enjoying their 5th time out to Las Vegas to compete in the National Team Championships. Carol, Terry, Kassie, Brandy, Danette, Suzette, Nancy and Bette are friends, and friends of friends that make this team what they are today. The team has been together for 10 years; however, today there are only two original players. In 1999 they came in 13th and won the Sportsmanship Award.

Venture's Vipers

9-Ball teammates, Arnold Christie, Jr. and Marvin Cox, III, take a break between rounds to show off their intricately embroidered team shirts. Christie and Cox play together on Venture's Vipers from Baltimore, Md. "So far we've won our first game," said Cox, "we're hoping to go all the way."

Let the Games Begin

The 2002 National Team Championships are well underway. After an exciting Opening Ceremonies President Renee Lyle Poehlman welcomed and congratulated the 55 Ladies and 206 9-Ball Teams competing this year. In the Ladies Division 24 states, with Louisiana sending the most; and one Canadian Province are represented. The 55 Ladies teams will be competing for their share of the $40,000 up for grabs in the Ladies Division, with a $10,000 1st Place prize.

Thirty-nine states and two Canadian Provinces are represented in the 9-Ball Division. Florida sent the most 9-Ball Teams this year. The 206 9-Ball Teams will be competing for over $130,000 in cash and prizes with the 1st Place team taking home $15,000.

9-Ball Rounds began at 5:00 p.m. with Ladies Rounds beginning on Saturday, August 17 at 8:00 a.m.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Ladies and 9-Ball Teams spent the day practicing in one of many practice rooms available to them at the Riviera. Teams and individual players had the opportunity to brush up on their games before the competitions began. The 9-Ball Championships began at 5:00 p.m. Friday night; the Ladies Team Championships begin Saturday morning. Teams from all over the U.S. and Canada will spend the next three days competing and practicing in hopes of winning the $10,000 1st Place prize in the Ladies Division and the $15,000 1st Place prize in the 9-Ball Division.