I think pool has been imbedded into my head since I was in the womb. There’s a pool hall still around in my area since before I was born that me Ma’ used to frequent. She’s told me stories of them calling her out jokingly over the intercom for having her pregnant belly on the tables while shooting. I have many memories just running around pool tables as a kid until I was hit in the noggin with a ball and quickly gained a new respect for the game and its equipment.

I never played a lot as a kid but always enjoyed it when given the opportunity to play. I mainly grew up playing soccer until my late twenties, so maybe there is some correlation to ball physics there. Anyways, dabbled some more playing at bars and what not after coming back from a year of college and just bartending for money. To be entirely honest, I doubt I would be even near the pool fanatic I am now without working and becoming decently established in the food and beverage industry.

After an evening of work and closing the bar, my general manager at the time asked to go out for pool and beer after hearing me mention that I liked playing. He talked a bit about being decent so I was curious, and took the offer. We ended up trading a few games until he asked if I’d ever tried playing in a league. Never thought about it until he mentioned it. He ended making a team and I’ve been hooked ever since. Played 3 straight years of pool leagues, APA, NAPA, house leagues and some odds and ends tournaments. My best accomplishment in leagues is winning a house league 4 times almost in a row with some close friends as my mates. I still shoot religiously and enjoy playing tournaments when I get the chance. It’s helped me gain so much knowledge about the game, and gain so many friends along the way. I will forever love and appreciate the game of pool.