by Jean Bartholomew
Having just returned from Chinook Winds Casino at Lincoln City on the beautiful
Oregon Coast, I must say it was the most successful of all the tournaments thus far.
This Western BCA Association has grown immensely in a short 10 years of existence.
This Association limits their membership to the three states of Oregon, Washington
and Idaho. Having started with just a few hundred members,
it has now over 1800 in it's membership and with more than 900 members participated in
this, the 7th Annual Regional 8-Ball Championships.
The caliber of play was superb.
The tournament was very lucky in having the most able Gary Benson, of The National
BCA, come to lend his personal experience and computer expertise to our tournament.
The timing was excellent and the matches stayed pretty close to the posted times
throughout. This was helped, by having the matches start at 8AM each day and allowing
a full day for the Scotch Doubles to be played in it's entirety. Except for the Teams,
the matches were shortened by one game from last years Regional 8-Ball. This made a
huge difference and things went smoothly. Due to space limitations, and the large
amount of entries in this popular 8-Ball tournament, it has become a real challenge
to play and complete all matches in the 5 days needed. I heard many compliments for a
great tournament. We wish to thank all of the volunteers who gave of their time
refereeing, posting scores and doing all of the little
things it takes to make things run smoothly.
Congratulations to everyone for great play and sportsmanship, ensuring the continued
success of this and future tournaments.
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Craig Arnold's Scotch Doubles Masters presentation:
I usually just present the trophies and get out of the way but this time I'd like
to say something before I present this . . . I've known Ted and Jo Woodward
since before they were Ted and Jo, and since then they have become
the scourge of scotch doubles events everywhere. You won't find
finer ambassadors for the game of pool, nor will you find more gracious
competitors. It's about time ... the 2002 Scotch Doubles Masters Champions, Ted
and Jo Woodward.
Jean Bartholomew writes
I have just returned from the Lincoln City area where the 5th Annual
Western BCA 9-Ball tournament was held. It was probably the most
exciting tournament with the highest caliber of pool to date.
Most of the matches were highly competitive by each person playing. Some of
the best pool was played, of any tournament, anywhere.
Probably the best of the rest was the match between Glenn Atwell and
Tony Balzas. Both are top Northwest players. Tony handled Glenn with
some of the most flawless play ever. Actually, Glenn never had much
opportunity to get to the table offensively. Tony bested Glenn to put him on
the losers side. Glenn worked his way back with an emphatic win over
Russell Cearcy and the 2nd chance at Tony in the finals. It was instant
replay of the first time around for Glenn and a second place finish. Tony
won the Master's Singles title and definitely played the solidest of a very
tough field. This young man has a tremendous future in competitive billiards.
Congratulations Tony!
On the Women's side, Josie Leroy is a tough, up-coming Lady poolplayer from
Newberg, Oregon, who gave Barbara Thompson of Vancouver, WA a tough time for the
Ladies Masters title. Barbara is a very solid player, with a smooth stroke,
known to be very hard to beat in local tournaments, and she is a gracious competitor,
always. You've earned it Barb...Great going!
The weather was superb the whole week and everyone enjoyed themselves
with the tournament operations being handled by Gary Benson and all ran
smoothly.
It was nice to welcome Charlotte Hagen back, after her recent medical
problems. We missed Harry Peterson, who is gravely ill, and wish him a
full recovery very soon.
We look forward to the 8th Annual 8-Ball to be held at Chinook Winds in
February. It should be another winner. We look forward to seeing everyone
there.
From Don "Cheese" Akerlow
Thanks to Gary Benson for the logistics and computer work that
made a smooth running tournament, as well as Tournament
Director Craig Arnold, and Sam Rabito, the referees and
volunteers that have made the Western BCA the great tournament
that it has become. You would be hard pressed to find anybody
that didn?t have a good time from meeting up with old friends,
making new ones and new stories to tell, not to mention the
incredible pool shooting that was on display. I saw many familiar
faces of friends I have made over the years and I made some
new friends as well. It was great to see everyone and to have the time to sit
and get to know everyone. Congratulations to all the winners and each and
every pool player that participated from "On The Break". See you at the
end of February for the 8-Ball Championships.
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