I run the University of Florida’s pool leagues, pool classes for beginners and advanced players, charity tournaments and more. Two of my gang were among three who qualified in regional play for ACUI nationals. The collegiate 9-Ball Championships are to be held at the University of Illinois later this month.
Part I Of My 9-Ball Instruction To These Players
Part II Of My 9-Ball Advice To Them And To You
Monica Fox took first place in the women’s division at regionals and Heather Platter found second. Te Tang took second place for the men to add to his recent placing in an open tournament including top pros.
It’s Been A Privilege To Coach You
These are smart, skillful players and its been exciting to see Monica blossom. I first taught her the rudiments of positioning the cue ball almost 20 years ago! Te Tang is an always-friendly foreign exchange student who makes all around him smile. I invited both to a recent pool photo shoot for InSite Magazine.
Fox first qualified seven years before as an undergraduate and finished in 9th place. Her “nerves ticked on overtime” though she should be proud to have done so well her first time in the battle. School and life got in the way, with life trumping even school at times, and now she’s back and making pool news again.
I tried to schedule a little daytime practice with her over both our busy schedules but it “takes an act of Congress” for her to get away for lunch, as she put it. Evenings she is working her billiards craft, however, and she should do fine… maybe even taking home the big prize.
Half-a-dozen players have gone on to win from UF the national collegiate championship including Hall of Fame member, Nick “The Kentucky Colonel” Varner. Sad, though, that these next champions might win in Illinois, because I remember nationals in California and Hawaii.
Pool In Las Vegas, Baby!
On the non-college front, five local residents who play in weekly leagues at Gainesville’s Art of Billiards went to Vegas for the APA’s nationals tournament in 8-Ball, (singles division) held in April.
Most notably, Te Tang placed again, and Dana Rogers, who owns Art of Billiards with her hubby, Art Rogers (of course!), took home 5th place. AOB has a place in my heart as it featured throughout my pool book and DVD for Cengage/Thompson publications.
Chris Walls, a local legend and strong enough to have contemplated a pro career after many jousting on the road along with fellow pool knights-errant-cum-hustlers David Grossman and Johnny Ferber, also went to Vegas on the APA’s dime. Brooke Purcell (another UF student!) and Chuck Pellicer rounded out the fab five and today's pool news.
