Las Vegas, NV – May 16, 2012 – Scotch Doubles is a unique pool event. A successful team in the scotch doubles division takes two players who understand each other’s games almost as well as their own. Each must trust the other’s abilities and communicate as one mind. The best scotch doubles players learn to play in one rhythm. Where one player ends the other takes over.

The finals of the 36th BCAPL National Championships Scotch Doubles events saw the best of the best, Tuesday, May 15th at the Riviera Hotel & Casino. This year there were three BCAPL Scotch Doubles divisions with the addition of the Advanced Scotch Doubles.

Lisa McNab and Brad Poorman

In the Open Scotch Doubles, Lisa McNab and Brad Poorman (league #1120) from Saskatchewan, Canada outlasted the other 321 teams to win the coveted top spot winning $3,200. McNab also finished 33rd in the Women’s Open Singles 8-Ball division and 5th in the Women’s Open 9-Ball division.

48 teams formed the new Advanced Scotch Doubles division. The winners of this division’s inaugural year were the husband and wife team of Larry and Andrea Wilson (league #186) from British Columbia, Canada who took home $2,000. In addition to the win in the Advanced Scotch Doubles, Larry Wilson took 5th in the BCAPL 9-Ball Challenge.

The Wilsons overcame another Canadian team in the finals, Russ Whittle and Bev Ashton (league #624). Whittle had a particularly strong day. In addition to placing second with Ashton in the scotch event, he took second in the Men’s Advanced Singles.

The BCAPL Master Scotch Doubles is a favorite among the spectators. The top two teams this year again consisted of some well known names. From New York was the team of Tony Robles Jr. and partner Gail Glazebrook (league #1355) versus Janet Atwell and Wes Largen Jr. (league #1151) from Virginia. A total of 25 teams represented this division. Halfway through the brackets Atwell and Largen Jr. blitzed team Robles Jr. and Glazebrook 7-0. In the finals Robles Jr. and Glazebrook got revenge on that previous loss by taking the first set 7-3. Atwell and Largen Jr. redeemed themselves taking set two 7-3 for the division win and $1,800.

Brock Notebook and Lisa Just

Following the Scotch Doubles event, the team competitions began, with 6 divisions and a total of 875 entries. The halls of the Riviera Hotel & Casino swarmed with colorful matching team shirts representing pool rooms and bars from around the world. Additionally, the CSI US Open 10-Ball Championship marked the halfway point of the 6 day pro level event. The Action Report live streams the US Open action at www.theactionreport.com.

To view online all of the brackets for the 36th BCAPL National Championships, the 2nd USAPL National Championships, the 13th US Open One Pocket Championship and the 4th US Open 10-Ball Championship, visit the CueSports Tournament System at www.ctsondemand.com. You may search by player or team name or can view by division or tournament.

For more information about the BCAPL visit www.playbca.com.

CueSports International (CSI) is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. In the past seven years CSI has directly paid out approximately Seven Million Dollars to players. CSI is the parent company of the BCA Pool League and the USA Pool League. CSI also produces independent events such as the US Bar Table Championships, the Jay Swanson Memorial, the US Open One Pocket Championship and the US Open 10-Ball Championship. Visit www.playcsipool.com, www.playbca.com and www.playusapool.com for more information about CSI and its divisions.

CSI leads the billiard industry in the development of technology. For more information on the state-of-the-art software systems for league and tournament management visit www.leaguesys.net and www.ctsondemand.com.

Las Vegas, NV – The 36th BCAPL National Championships rolled into the Riviera Hotel and Casino Wednesday, May 10th. Approximately 7,000 players congregate each year in Las Vegas to compete in the event known as “The Greatest Pool Tournament in the World.”

Produced by CueSports International (CSI) and taking place over 11 days, the group of events include; 23 BCA Pool League (BCAPL) divisions, three USA Pool League (USAPL) divisions and two professional tournaments (the 13th US Open One Pocket Championship and the 4th US Open 10-Ball Championship).

The BCAPL competition began with three 9-Ball singles events: the Men’s Open 9-Ball Singles, the Women’s Open 9-Ball Singles and the 9-Ball Challenge.

The Men’s Open 9-Ball saw a full field of 256 players compete for over $15,000 in prize money. Daniel McKenney (league #1073) from Texas beat out Matt Beckwith (league #23) from Wisconsin for the $2,100 first place check.

The BCAPL competition began with three 9-Ball singles events: the Men’s Open 9-Ball Singles, the Women’s Open 9-Ball Singles and the 9-Ball Challenge. Photo of Mitch Ellerman courtesy of Fred Stoll of Filmless Art.

The Women’s Open 9-Ball Singles had 83 competitors. Jennifer Polik (league #1152 and 719) from Michigan reigned as the winner beating Valerie Franiel (league #497) from Alberta, Canada and taking home the $900 first place prize. Both 9-Ball Open events followed a single elimination best two out of three sets per match and are only for open rated BCAPL league players and CSI player members known to be open level.

The 9-Ball Challenge welcomes both league and CSI player members of all ratings. The more traditional double elimination race to 7 format event had 147 entrants. Known to attract a roster of seasoned players, this year’s champion was Arizona top gun Mitch Ellerman. Also a former Jay Swanson Memorial winner, Ellerman pocketed $2,600 and only lost a total of 16 games out of 9 matches beating out Marc Vidal-Claramunt, Nick Malaj, Melissa Little, Ramesh Gokhul, Phil Burford, Heath Bartley and Chad Lovelace.

As the 9-Ball Singles competition concluded, the Scotch events began with the Open Scotch Doubles kicking off May 11th at 7 pm. This year a new Advanced Scotch Doubles division was added and it and the Master Scotch Doubles started Friday, May 12th. All Scotch Doubles divisions will conclude Tuesday, May 15th.

Saturday saw the start of the highly competitive BCAPL Singles 8-Ball divisions. There are 11 total divisions and 2,295 entrants in the 8-Ball singles competition. The Grand Master 8-Ball Singles will conclude today and the other 8-Ball singles divisions will conclude Tuesday.

To view online all of the brackets for the 36th BCAPL National Championships, the 2nd USAPL National Championships, the 13th US Open One Pocket Championship and the 4th US Open 10-Ball Championship visit the CueSports Tournament System at www.ctsondemand.com. You may search a player or team by name or can view by division or tournament.

For more information about the BCAPL visit www.playbca.com.

CueSports International (CSI) is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. In the past seven years CSI has directly paid out approximately Seven Million Dollars to players. CSI is the parent company of the BCA Pool League and the USA Pool League. CSI also produces independent events such as the US Bar Table Championships, the Jay Swanson Memorial, the US Open One Pocket Championship and the US Open 10-Ball Championship. Visit www.playcsipool.com, www.playbca.com and www.playusapool.com for more information about CSI and its divisions.

CSI leads the billiard industry in the development of technology. For more information on the state-of-the-art software systems for league and tournament management visit www.leaguesys.net and www.ctsondemand.com.

by InsidePOOL Staff

Al Cacciola and Rhio Anne Flores opted to split top honors at the May 12 stop on the Tri-State Tour. The $750-added 9-ball event was hosted by Port Richmond Billiards in Staten Island, NY, and drew a field of 26 A-D players.

Cacciola was the sole undefeated player at the end of the day, defeating Tom McManamon in the winners’ side final four 6-3. In the ensuing hot seat match, he faced down Richard Ng, who had just sent Flores west 7-6, and bested him double-hill 7-6.

Left most 3rd place - Richard Ng; 1st place - Al Cacciola; right, 2nd place - Rhio Anne Flores

McManamon was soon eliminated in fifth place by Tony Ignomirello 6-3, and Keith Adamik tied with McManamon after Flores won their match 7-6. Another hill-hill win for Flores followed with a 7-6 victory over Ignomirello in the quarterfinals. Her last double-hill win came in the next round over Ng, who had to settle for third place. Flores and Cacciola decided to split first place.

Results:
1st Al Cacciola $415
Rhio Anne Flores
3rd Richard Ng $190
4th Tony Ignomirello $110
5th Keith Adamik $60
Tom McManamon

LAKE SAINT LOUIS, MO (May 10, 2012) — More than $500,000 in cash and prizes were awarded to APA members at the APA National Singles Championships held April 25 – 28 in Las Vegas at the Riviera Hotel & Casino. The National Singles Championships consisted of both the 8-Ball Classic and 9-Ball Shootout Singles Championships and the Jack & Jill Doubles Championship.

The final round of the 9-Ball Shootout featured three championship matches, one for each Skill Level Tier, with two shooters in each match competing for $10,000 in cash and prizes.

In the Green Tier, James Rockwell of Columbus, N.J., defeated Kevin Hazlip of Orange Park, Fla. Rockwell advanced to the finals after a semifinal round victory over Sophina Placencia of Waianae, Hawaii. Hazlip advanced to the finals after defeating Courtney McIntosh of Round Rock, Texas. Placencia and McIntosh tied for 3rd Place.

In the White Tier, Mike Sousa of Norton, Mass., defeated Mike Hernandez of San Antonio, Texas. Sousa defeated Christopher Garza of Brownsville, Texas, in the semifinal round to advance to the finals. Hernandez advanced to the finals by defeating Sandra Ante of Florence, Ky. Garza and Ante tied for 3rd Place.

More than $500,000 in cash and prizes were awarded to APA members at the APA National Singles Championships held April 25 – 28 in Las Vegas at the Riviera Hotel & Casino.

In the Black Tier, Dustin Morris of Minneapolis, Minn., defeated Levent Ertoz of Mountain View, Calif. Morris advanced to the finals after defeating James Key of Southaven, Miss., in the semifinals. Ertoz advanced to the final round match after a victory over John Torockio of Derry, Pa., in the semifinal match. Key and Torockio tied for 3rd Place.

Each of the three Champions received a prize package worth $10,000. Runners-Up in each tier took home a prize package worth $5,000. Third Place finishers each received $3,000.

More than 3,600 poolplayers made it to the regional level of the 9-Ball Shootout before the field was whittled down to 292 men and women competing for 9-Ball crowns in each of three skill level tiers.

Nearly 6,300 APA members advanced to regional competition of the 8-Ball Classic, and 469 of those players advanced to the championship in Las Vegas.

In the finals of the 8-Ball Classic, four champions each took home a prize package worth $15,000 for their performances.

In the Blue Tier, Connie Kraft of East Peoria, Ill., defeated Ryan Raftery of Toledo, Ohio. Kraft defeated Stefanie Macaluso of New Port Richey, Fla., in the semifinals to advance, while Raftery defeated Ruth Chappell of Coats, N.C. Macaluso and Chappell tied for 3rd Place.
In the Yellow Tier, Patrick Porter of Burlington, N.J., defeated Kenneth Suttles of Kodak, Tenn. Porter advanced to the finals by defeating Joshua Rose of Summit, Miss., earlier in the day in the semifinal round. Suttles defeated Bradley Lancaster of Bakersfield, Calif., in the semifinals. Rose and Lancaster tied for 3rd Place.

In the Red Tier, Joseph Magsaysay of Jackson, Mo., defeated Gabriel Valdez of San Diego, Calif. Magsaysay defeated Travis Fehlauer of Fayetteville, N.C., in the semifinals to advance, while Valdez defeated Josh Norris of Oklahoma City, Okla. Fehlauer and Norris tied for 3rd Place.

In the Purple Tier, Cary Cass of Miami, Fla., defeated Armando Leal of San Antonio, Texas. Cass defeated Marc Horsting of Hanover Park, Ill., in the semifinal round. Leal advanced after defeating Joseph Coleman of Joelton, Tenn. Horsting and Coleman tied for 3rd Place.

First place winners received cash and prizes worth $15,000. Each Runner-Up received cash and prizes worth $9,000. Third Place finishers each received $4,000.

In the annual Jack & Jill Doubles Championship, held in the MiniMania Room during the Singles Championships, Jason Fortun and Kim Nguyen of Terrytown, La., defeated Sean Higgins and Line Thibeault of Lewiston, Maine. Fortun and Nguyen took home $5,000, while Higgins and Thibeault received $3,000 as Runners-Up.

Sportsmanship Awards were presented to Jina Watterworth of Lapeer, Mich., and Mike Tucci of Fresno, Calif., for outstanding conduct throughout their matches in the 9-Ball Shootout and 8-Ball Classic, respectively.

The APA, based in Lake Saint Louis, Mo., sanctions the world’s largest amateur pool league, known as the APA Pool League throughout the United States, and as the Canadian Pool League in Canada. Nearly 270,000 members compete in weekly Read more ...]]> http://www.billiardsmagazines.com/billiard-news/apa-members-take-home-over-500000-in-cash-and-prizes-at-apa-national-singles-championships.html/feed 0 http://www.billiardsmagazines.com/billiard-news/armed-forces-appreciation-pool-school-show-by-predator-cues-at-hard-times.html http://www.billiardsmagazines.com/billiard-news/armed-forces-appreciation-pool-school-show-by-predator-cues-at-hard-times.html#comments Fri, 11 May 2012 00:30:45 +0000 Pool and Billiards News http://www.insidepoolmag.com/?p=17062 Armed Forces Appreciation Pool School Show by Predator Cues at Hard Times

Los Angeles, CA – Reigning US Open Champion Darren Appleton of England and Team USA Captain Charlie Williams pair up to honor past and present active military at the Predator Armed Forces Appreciation Pool School Show on May 21, 2012. Dragon Promotions and Predator Cues will bring the popular school and show experience to Los Angeles at the nationally renown Hard Times Billiards. The highly successful Predator Pro Challenge & School continues its tour through some of the most popular pool and billiards towns throughout the country. This duo of top caliber skill and charismatic characters will be appearing before avid players, amateurs, and pro-pool hopefuls from all around California. There will be a chance for fans to learn, meet, and play the two world class pros! Where the daytime school has a nominal cost, the evening show is absolutely free to attend and brought to you by Simonis Cloth and Master Chalk.

“Predator always tries its utmost best to provide services and opportunities for players and people from all walks of life. As Memorial Day approaches, we can’t think of a better way than to show thanks to the women and men who serve, or have served, the United States of America. They keep our country safe. Darren and Charlie, two of Predator’s best representatives, will deliver a great experience to military and civilian enthusiasts alike,” said John Forrester, Chairman of Predator Group.

The Predator Armed Forces Appreciation will be open to everyone. Former and active military personnel will receive 30% off the $200 tuition for the Predator Pool School and also big discounts on Predator products at the event. Additonally, Predator will offer a contest on its Facebook page for former and active military personnel and two winners will have the entire tuition fee paid by Predator. Go to https://www.facebook.com/pages/Predator-Cues/156065621418 to enter.

There will also be a free entry tournament for all US Armed Forces, active personnel and veterans, with the winner receiving a Poison Cue made by Predator.

Hard Times Billiards Bellflower Established 1988 – A Smoke and Alcohol Free Environment

Hard Times was opened in 1988 with 38 Tables in a 21,000 Sq. Ft. smoke free & alcohol-free environment

Eddie Arreguin, owner of Hard Times adds,”Hard Times is pleased to host the Predator Veterans Military Pool School. We love honoring our armed forces, past and present, and want to do what we can to show our loyalty to the United States. Darren Appleton and Charlie Williams are world class pros and we are excited about the fans learning and seeing two of the best. This will definitely help the Los Angeles pool community.”

To sign up for the Predator Pro School which will run from 2pm-6pm, please email propoolschool1@gmail.com or call Hard Times (562) 867-7733 or call DP at 1-407-782-4978 For information on hosting a Predator Pool School and booking Dragon Promotions events or players, please contact Dragon Promotions at 1-407-782-4978 or e-mail dpsportsmanagement@yahoo.com. Be sure to visit www.Dragonpromotions.com and watch the 10 year anniversary music video with hundreds of the worlds most famous players.

Predator Group, an international billiards industry leader, is focused on bringing constant innovation and game-improving equipment to billiards players worldwide. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, Predator Group’s core brands includePredator Cues® – high-end (professional level) cues with revolutionary technology to enhance performance, Poison Billiards® – recreational cues with cutting-edge designs and Predator engineering for best-in-class playability, and Uni-Loc® – precision billiards equipment manufacturer. For more information regarding Predator Group’s products, visit www.predatorgroup.com.

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) is pleased to announce the 2012 recipients of its annual scholarship program. The objective of the BEF Academic Scholarship Program is to grant scholarships to high school seniors who have benefited from the sport of billiards and are pursuing a college education.

The scholarships are divided into two categories: BEF Excellence in Education scholarship ($2,000 award) and BEF Aiming for Higher Education scholarships (3 x $1,000 award).

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) is pleased to announce the 2012 recipients of its annual scholarship program.

The prized students adhered to the following scholarship criteria:
1) maintained a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale);
2) received an ACT score of at least 23 or SAT combined score (critical reading + math) of 1050 or higher;
3) submitted a 500-1000 word essay on how billiards has been an integral part of their life;
4) submitted a letter outlining academic achievements, leadership and/or community service work and a description of the applicant’s background and career objectives;
5) must be accepted to an accredited undergraduate academic program by June 1;
6) must attend an accredited undergraduate institution and carry at least 12 hours per semester.

Congratulations to the following 2012 winners:

BEF “Excellence in Education” Scholarship ($2,000 award)
Megan Ferry of Denver, NC

BEF “Aiming for Higher Education” Scholarships ($1,000 award)
Benjamin Horton of Moyie Springs, ID
Lesly Ibarra of Garland, TX
Kole McGuire of Rockwall, TX

Essays may be viewed on the BEF website at www.BilliardEducation.org

The Billiard Education Foundation has awarded over $200,000 in scholarships since 1993. Said BEF executive director Laura Smith, “The BEF is proud to help young adults who have benefited from billiards to offset their education expenses and become our future leaders.”
About the Billiard Education Foundation
The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) was formed in 1993 as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit charitable organization. The BEF funds academic scholarships, produces the Junior National 9-Ball Championships, offers opportunities for billiard athletes to attend the WPA World Junior 9-Ball Championships and promotes “Pool In School” programs. For more information about the BEF please visit www.BilliardEducation.org or contact Samm Diep-Vidal at samm@BilliardEducation.org or phone 303-667-8000.

by InsidePOOL Staff

Mike Zimny and Annie Flores chose to split first place at the Tri-State Tour’s May 5 stop because of the lateness of the hour. The event hosted 30 players at Castle Billiards in East Rutherford, NJ, and featured a $500-added prize purse.

Mike Zimny and Annie Flores chose to split first place at the Tri-State Tour’s May 5 stop because of the lateness of the hour. The event hosted 30 players at Castle Billiards in East Rutherford, NJ, and featured a $500-added prize purse.

Zimny went undefeated through the field, besting Ed Culhane in the winners’ side final four 7-1 to reach the hot seat match. His opponent there was Kim Meyer-Gabia, who had just eked out a hill-hill win over Mike Aro 6-5. It was another nail-biter, but Zimny took the hot seat 7-6.

Flores was working her way through the west side, whitewashing Ed Culhane 8-0 to make it to the quarterfinals. Pat Mareno squeaked past Aro 7-6 to reach Flores, who sent Mareno home in fourth place with an 8-5 win.

It was yet another close call in the semifinals, with Flores edging out Meyer-Gabia 7-6. In the final match, both Zimny and Flores decided to split first place.

Results:
1st Mike Zimny $475
Annie Flores
3rd Kim Meyer-Gabia $200
4th Pat Mareno $100
5th Ed Culhane $75
Mike Aro

by InsidePOOL Staff

Javier Chirino and Tony Crosby took home the trophies from the April 21-22 Poison Cues Tour, winning the amateur and open divisions, respectively. Cunningham’s Billiards in Vero Beach, FL, hosted the tournament, which featured a $1,000-added amateur event and a $1,000-added open 10-ball division.

The amateur event attracted 62 players, with 5 ladies taking advantage of the $20 entry fee. This event was made extra special, as Chirino supplied the top four places a beautiful glass trophy. It looked as though Chirino was aiming for a trophy himself, as he made his way to the hot seat with wins over Doug Johnson 6-2, Justin Gilsinan 6-4, Prescott Buckwold 6-3, Paul Mullins 6-0, and Jeff Mabry 6-4. In the winners’ side final, he met Raymond Linares and bested him 7-3.

Cunningham’s Billiards in Vero Beach, FL, hosted the tournament, which featured a $1,000-added amateur event and a $1,000-added open 10-ball division.

The one-loss side saw Tim Baron, after taking a 6-2 loss to Chris Gentile, make a strong push and take out Jay Zink 5-4, Derek Virgilio 5-1, Paul Mullins 5-2, and David Uwate 5-4 before Jason Sheerman ended his run 5-3. Sheerman then had the task of taking on Gentile, who deposited him in fourth place 5-2. Gentile backed this win up with a 5-0 whitewashing over Linares to put himself in the final.

The final match saw both players show why they got there with strong shot-making and good safety battles. But Chirino did not want to give his trophy up and eventually came out the 7-4 winner, taking the first-place trophy and cash.

The open 10-ball event garnered 42 players, and Hunter Lombardo was the man to beat on the day as he cruised his way to the finals with wins over Tim Baron 6-4, John Ditoro 6-1, Kira Brown 6-4, Mark Coats 6-0, and then a 7-3 win over Crosby in the winners’ side final to capture the hot seat.

Linares was proving to be a handful on the west side—after taking a first-round loss to Uwate 6-2, he went on a run to oust Lincoln Seifert, Robert Raiford, Prescott Buckwold, Chettan Chhabra, Ditoro, and Mark Coats before running into a determined Anthony Meglino, who stopped his run 5-0. Meglino then was eliminated by Crosby in a double-hill match that set up the finals. Neither Lombardo nor Crosby wanted to give an inch, so it went all the way, with Crosby taking it 7-6 to set up a one-rack sudden death shootout. A positional error by Lombardo left Crosby a quick 2-10 combo, which he pocketed to claim the event.

Lombardo and Crosby

Amateur Results:
1st Javier Chirino $700
2nd Chris Gentile $500
3rd Raymond Linares $300
4th Jason Sheerman $200
5th Tim Baron $130
Jeff Mabry
7th Vann Mangum $90
David Uwate
9th Scott Nodell $70
Lincoln Seifert
Glen Miller
Paul Mullins
13th Derek Virgilio $50
Prescott Buckwold
Zeno Rawley
Sam Kantar

Results:
1st Tony Crosby $700
2nd Hunter Lombardo $450
3rd Anthony Meglino $300
4th Raymond Linares $200
5th Mark Coats $100
David Uwate
7th John Ditoro $75
Javier Chirino

Shane Van Boening Wins Diamond Player’s Championship for Third Time

Inside POOL Magazine has released the May/June 2012 online issue. The May/June 2012 online issue of Inside POOL Magazine, featuring Shane Van Boening on the front cover, has been released at InsidePOOLmag.com. Also read news from the top billiards events from around the world, pool lessons from top instructors, and tons of great new technology in online billiards magazine viewing such as enhanced clarity, Bonus Content, loads of full-screen videos of professional matches, links to favorite web sites, flipping pages, zooming, emailing, sharing, and printing.

Inside POOL Magazine has released the May/June 2012 online issue.

May/June 2012 Inside POOL Magazine features Shane Van Boening on the front cover again after taking down his third Diamond Players Championship at the Super Billiards Expo. Andy Segal snares the World Artistic title. Ronnie Wiseman and Eddie Abraham claim the PA State titles in 9-ball and one pocket. Learn how to get lucky from Tom Simpson, get a Pro Pool Workout from Bob Henning and hear the confession of a pool hustler from Robert LeBlanc. Get all of the news from the regional tours around the world.

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About Inside POOL Magazine
Inside POOL Magazine launched in 2001 and, with pool player-based content and high impact photography, quickly became the largest magazine in the world for the sport of billiards. The official web site, InsidePOOLmag.com, followed shortly after and became one of the largest web sites in billiards. The web site features videos, image galleries, pool lessons, custom pool cue makers, online games, player profiles, tournament brackets, live streaming video, rules, product reviews, and the latest billiard news from around the world.

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Samm Diep-Vidal to the position of Executive Director. Vidal joins the organization on May 1, 2012 to work alongside current Executive Director, Laura Smith. On August 1, Vidal will assume full executive director duties; Smith will continue on as a trustee of the organization.

Samm Diep-Vidal has made a name for herself in the sport as a player, billiard instructor, writer and promoter. She is most recognized for her online interviews and instructional videos and most recently has been busy as House Pro and Marketing Director for Felt Billiards (Englewood, CO). Said Samm of the appointment, “My goal is to educate players and fans on the benefits of the BEF while creating more event and scholarship opportunities for the juniors involved. The future of our sport depends on each and every one of them.”

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Samm Diep-Vidal to the position of Executive Director.

BEF Board of Trustees president Shari Stauch said, “The board is excited to have Samm join the BEF team. She has built solid relationships within the industry, and recognizes that promoting young players is key to our sport’s growth. Samm will bring to BEF several creative, fun and innovative approaches that will allow the industry to get behind the BEF in a big way!”

Diep-Vidal’s immediate responsibilities include a re-launch of the BEF’s website as well as identifying new ways that manufacturers, promoters, retailers and room owners can each be part of BEF’s success. Flagship programs of the BEF currently include the Junior National 9-Ball Championships; BEF Scholarships; and “Pool in School” programs that promote high school billiard clubs, inter-school competition, and billiard phys-ed classes.
Photos/Interviews available on request.

About the Billiard Education Foundation
The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) was formed in 1993 as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit charitable organization. The BEF funds academic scholarships, produces the Junior National 9-Ball Championships, offers opportunities for billiard athletes to attend the WPA World Junior 9-Ball Championships and promotes “Pool In School” programs. For more information about the BEF please visit www.BilliardEducation.org. To become a sponsor, make a donation or inquiry, please contact Samm Diep-Vidal at samm@BilliardEducation.org or phone 303.667-8000.