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Stories and pics
Tune in daily for player stories, pictures and ongoing event information.
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Abram Diaz & Jim Barnard
Abram “Too Tall” Diaz and Jim “Coach” Barnard of Chula Vista, Calif. came to the National Team Championships to compete in the Dr. Cue Artistic Pool Championship. The 2 are also on 3 APA teams together. Abram picked up artistic pool about 2 years ago, self-teaching himself through the internet; he finished 3rd in the Dr. Cue event on Thursday. Jim met Abram when he was compiling a small trickshot tournament. Abram was one of the entrants in the event. Jim saw how well he played and decided to teach him a little more about pool. Jim now assists Abram with his pool game, while Abram helps Jim with his trickshots. “I am just amazed at how good he is so quickly – he absorbs things like a sponge,” Barnard said about Diaz. Diaz has only been with the APA for 3 months, while Jim has been a member since 1996. |
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PoolAPAlooza
The 2nd PoolAPAlooza celebration of the week was held on Thursday evening, allowing players to take a break from the tournament action to sit back and relax. The first pool party was held on Saturday. Players, along with their family and friends danced the night away to the music provided by the DJ, and took home lots of goodies by playing the games. Attendees could even take home a commemorative PoolAPAlooza Polaroid photograph. Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman was also on-hand performing his trickshots and signing autographs.
 
 
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Dr. Cue Artistic pool Championship Winner
The Dr. Cue Artistic Pool Championship concluded on Thursday with Jason Kane of New York, N.Y. taking home the grand prize, $750 and free entry into the Dr. Cue Classic Artistic Cup ($250 minimum value) for the 2nd consecutive year. Fifty-three players competed in this amateur trickshot event, with 9 men and 3 women advancing to the finals. Players were able to enter as many times as they liked. Second place went to Chris Woodrum of Pulaski, Va., 3rd place went to Abram Diaz of Chula Vista,Calif. and 4th place was awarded to Joe Meuse of Sanford, ME. |
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Nikolaidis Wins Extreme Pool Championship
Nick Nikolaidis defeated Tom Rossman in the Extreme Pool Championship finals on Thursday. This artistic competition included 2 flights of 5 players, in a Round Robin format. Each player had 3 attempts per shot, earning 1 point for each successful make. Players alternated selecting shots, at 10 shots per player. Rossman defeated Andy Segal to earn his spot in the finals, while Nikolaidis defeated Stefano Pelinga for his spot. The final score was 10-7. |
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Late Bloomers
The Ladies 8-Ball Sportsmanship award went to the Late Bloomers of Atlanta, Ga. Each member of the team received a commemorative trophy. This particular team of Late Bloomers has been together since January, however, the Late Bloomers have been in existence, losing and gaining players, for 10 years now. Team captain, Christine Alicia Mintz, said, “Each player brings their own skills to every league night and every match that they play. It’s that combination that makes us the team we are.” The team was nominated for the award by players, referees and/or APA staff. Other members of the team include: Heather Besco-Johnston, Sarah Frech, Barb Adams, Sheila Coffey, Linda Lynch, Leigh Denton and Jean Golden. “It’s just as good as winning!” Mintz said. |
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Minimania Action Continues
Round-the-clock Minimania action continues until Saturday, August 23 at 1:00 am. Registration began on Friday, August 15 at 8:00 am. Players traveled from all over the nation to compete in the tournaments. The events offer 100% payback of entry fees. Minimania action is open to current APA players with at least 10 actual league match scores in one format within the last 2 years. Many players who didn’t compete for the national tournaments, come out for Minimania to experience the thrill of the APA National Team Championships. |
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Free Mini Lessons
Master billiard instructor, Tom Simpson, is on-hand at the National Team Championships providing free mini lessons. The sessions are open to anyone attending the championships. He will be continuing with the lessons until Thursday, with session occurring daily from 11:00 am -1:00 pm and 2:00 pm– 4:00 pm. You may have seen Tom ‘s articles in The American Poolplayer magazine, giving billiard tips and advice. |
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Friends in Low Places
Friends in Low Places is a team of all married couples from Abbeville, La. They play out of The Oasis, which is where they got the idea for their team Hawaiian shirts. The team has been playing together for about 1 ½ years, but members of the team have known each other more than 19 years. Some met at school and others met through playing pool. Members of the team include Rob and Margaret Persilver, Pat and Linda Jones, Mike and Sherie Mccammant and Mac and Neicy Meaux. Two years ago, half of the team, which was known as the Diehards, placed 5th in the 8-Ball Open division at the National Team Championships. Being friends outside of poolplaying, this is a really exciting time for the team and could feel the emotion when walking into the tournament room for the first time. |
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The Doctor is In
World-famous trickshot artist, Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman will be performing exhibitions throughout the duration of the National Team Championships. Attendees can see Dr. Cue’s exhibitions in Capri rooms 103-104 on Wednesday from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm and 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm, at the pool party on Thursday from 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm and before the 8-Ball Open finals begin on Saturday (approximately 3:00 pm). He also hosting the Dr. Cue Artistic Pool Championship in the Capri rooms and is competing in the Extreme Pool Championship. |
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Tuf-E-Nuf
Tuf-E-Nuf of Albuquerque, N.M. plays out of the American Legion Post 72. Their slogan, as seen on their team shirts, is, “The little post with a big heart.” The team has been playing together for 3 years, and this is their 2nd year competing in the National Team Championships; they were here in 2006 competing in the 8-Ball Open division as well. Each of the men on the team are military veterans and the women belong to the Women’s Auxiliary. One member of the team has even been the post commander for the past 2 years. Team members include, John Oswald, captain, Eddie Baca, co-captain, Annie Baca, Dean Harmon, Nanda Harmon, Art Martinez, Tony Vigil and Leroy Valles. Also shown in the photo are wives, Fran Martinez, June Vigil, Kris Valles and Adele Oswald. |
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Extreme Pool Championship Begins
The Extreme Pool Championship kicked off on Monday. This tournament features famous trickshot players including: Mike Massey, Andy Segal, Tom Rossman, Nick Nikolaidis, Stefano Pelinga, Bruce Barthelette, Sal Conti, Matt MacPhail, Charles Darling and Dave Nangle. The competition is a round-robin format with players alternating shots – 10 shots per player. Each player has 3 attempts at a shot. Competition will continue until Thursday, when a winner will be crowned. |
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Bulletts
The Bulletts of Orangeburg, S.C. have been together for about 2 years now and are competing in their first APA national event. Team members Adam Buck, David Moorer, Jr., Joseph Yoakum, Bennie Ulmer, Jr., Kenneth Beason, Billy Fort, Wendy Rutlend and Jama Rutlend are in Vegas competing in the 8-Ball Open division. Only one member of the team, Jama, has competed in a national event. All of the teammates are close, they even have a pool party at one of their houses every week in the summer. The team is sponsored by Kick Booty Motorsports, which is owned by Bennie’s father. |
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8-Ball Open Officially Underway
Registration for the 8-Ball Open division occurred on Monday, with play beginning in the evening. Players lined up from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm to register their team for the tournament. APA President Renee Lyle officially kicked off the tournament at the Opening Ceremony before play began. Tournament action will continue until Saturday, when a champion will be crowned. |
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Practice rooms Open 24/7
Players can continue the pool action 24 hours a day in the Capri practice rooms. Rooms are dedicated solely for players to practice whenever they choose. The tables are open to anyone, and have a $1.00 per game charge. For those who didn’t get their share of pool throughout the tournament, or maybe just want to be sure they get in their share of practice before the big competition, the rooms are a great way to fulfill any poolplayers desire at the APA National Team Championships . |
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I Shoot Like a Girl
I Shoot Like a Girl from Manville, N.J. is in Vegas competing in the 8-Ball Ladies division. The team consists of Vicki Ryback, Ann Perkins, Mimi Peters, Kelly Brock, Kim Bradshaw, Melissa Bencivenga, Noel “Mama” Monge and Kat Lippencott. They have been together for about a year now and contain a team full of strong shooters. While there are some newbies on the team to APA national tournaments, 3 of the members have been before, competing in the Ladies division and 9-Ball division. Vicki, Ann and Melissa have been APA members for 11 years, while Kelly has been a member for 8 years, Noel and Kat for 5 years, Kim for 3 years and Mimi for 2. |
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Event memorabilia
Players can take home a piece of the National Team Championships by stopping by the Khamsin Designs APA apparel booth and purchasing exclusive event memorabilia. Event t-shirts, hats and much more, as well as general APA gear, are available for purchase throughout the competition. It is also a great way for players to take something home for those friends and family who weren’t able to make the trip to Vegas. |
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Joel Goodman
Joel Goodman of Newberg, Ore. is at the National Team Championships competing in the APA Wheelchair Challenge. He has been playing pool for 25 years now and has been an APA member for about 5 years. Joel started playing because his grandparents had a table in their basement that he used to play on, and as he grew older he became more fond of the game. Last year, Joel competed in the APA Wheelchair Challenge and 8-Ball Open division of the National Team Championships. He currently plays on an 8-Ball team out of the Roadhouse Pub in Lafayette, Ore. Joel is also here cheering on a friend competing in the APA Masters Championship. |
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PoolAPAlooza
Players spent Saturday night celebrating at the annual PoolAPAlooza, party by the pool. Attendees danced the night away to the music provided by the DJ and took home plenty of APA goodies by participating in the game stations. Massages and photographs were also available. World famous trickshot artist Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman was also on-hand performing exhibitions and signing autographs. The party was a great way for players and their friends and family to sit back and relax together, taking a break from the tournament action. Another pool party will be held on Thursday evening.
 
 
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Friend Dragon
For the first time ever, a team from the Japanese Poolplayers Association (JPA), Friend Dragon, made it to the APA National Team Championships. They made the 14 hour trip all the way from Japan to Las Vegas to play in the 9-Ball Open tournament. Their team captain, Masashi Osada, said that what he enjoyed most about the experience was playing with the many spectators. They had a very good experience and hope to come back again. |
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Chalk’s Cheap
Chalk’s Cheap members Patricia “Tricialicious” O’Connell, Stacy “Wobbleosky” Wylesky, Charlotte “Yo Momma” Ross, Tara “Tu Tu” Nelson, Mickie “Mickie Lucci” Sides and Stephanie “Stefony” Modisette are more than just teammates, they are good friends. Outside of playing pool, they love to hang out together. Mickie and Charlotte are mother and daughter and the rest of the team came together through mutual friends and living in the small town of West Tawakoni, Texas. They have only been together for 3 sessions now, and have been in 1st place since the team came together. The team even had to beat Patricia’s mother’s team to make it here. None of them have been to an APA national event before, so they are excited for the 8-Ball Ladies division tournament! |
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Black Tie & Str8t Jackets
Black Tie & Str8t Jackets of Portland, Ore. received honorable mention in the 9-Ball Open Team Name Contest. Team members include: Jason Grijalva, Steve “Vader” Gallarini, Nancy Fugere, Dustin Maddox, Matthew Hansen, Rebecca Taylor, Justin “Big J” Uselton and Chris Morgan. While they have their team name on the back of their shirts, located on the front is their name and an “Inmate number,” which is actually their APA numbers. The team came together through mutual friends and contains 5 rookie players and 3 veterans, and the team has only been together since January. The team’s captain, Nancy, is competing in her 5th APA national event. They play out of Doc’s Club 82nd in Portland. |
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Dr. Cue Artistic Pool Championship begins
The Dr. Cue Artistic Pool Championship began Friday evening with preliminary rounds. The event runs from Friday, August 15 to Thursday, August 21, when a champion will be crowned. Entry fee into the event is 2 for $25 and it is open to all APA members attending the National Team Championships. The winner will be awarded $750 and free entry into the Dr. Cue Classic Artistic Cup. |
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phil & Lynn Ballard
Husband and wife, Phil “Butterbean” and Lynn “Sprout” Ballard share more than a love for pool and 24 years of marriage, they also share a birthday (today, August 15) and are playing in the 9-Ball Open tournament on the same team. In addition to being the captain of the couple’s 9-Ball team, Killer B’s of Houston, Texas, Phil is also competing in the 8-Ball Doubles Championship. While this is Phil’s 13th APA national event, this is the first year the two have competed on the same team together. “She’s come a long way,” Phil said. “She started off as a 1 and is now a good 2.” About 2 years ago, the two played on different teams in the Jack & Jill event at the National Singles Championships. Phil has been playing pool since he was young, and Lynn has been playing for about 3 years. Lynn is nervous about the competition; Phil is highly competitive, while Lynn is not. Their 2 children even came out with them to show their support, and this is their first family vacation. |
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Playerz
The Playerz of Charlotte, N.C. have been playing pool together for about a year now, however, most of their team are veteran APA players. Mike Netherton has been with the APA for 16 years, Mike Miller for 15 years, Kyle Oliver for 2 years, Debbie Netherton for 16 years, Cheryl Rutter for 9 years and Larry Fetner has been with APA for 19 years now. Another teammate, Harry Hessle III is here for his 3rd APA national event. Husband and wife, Mike and Debbie have been playing pool together for the past 16 years. They are celebrating their 30th anniversary and were here playing in the 8-Ball Open tournament 10 years ago, when they were celebrating their 20th anniversary. The 9-Ball Open team plays out of The Other Woman in Charlotte. |
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Leftovers
The Leftovers of Spartanburg, S.C. weren’t a probable contender for Nationals in their area. “What’s really interesting is that people thought we weren’t going to make it, everyone doubted us,” Kenny Moore said. This is the first 9-ball team that Bobby Brown has ever played on and became a team member after simply asking to be put on a team. This is Kenny’s 3rd or 4th session playing with the APA and Bobby has been in the APA for about 2 years. After 50 years of playing pool this is Bobby’s first national event and he is thrilled to be here! Leftovers plays out of Sidelines Sports & Spirits in Spartanburg. |
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Pool Emporium
In addition to the tournament action, there is much for players attending the National Team Championships to see and do. Representatives from many of the top names in the billiards industry are on-hand all week with merchandise for players to purchase. Just a few of the exhibitors include Allison Fisher, APA Cuetec Cues, Cue and Case Sales, Kwikfire, Ozone Billiards, Poison, Predator Products and many more! |
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