Lac du Flambeau, Wis. - History was made the weekend of April 29 - May 1 when the largest one division singles tournament payout ever in the Midwest was awarded during the Native American Pool Tournament Finals at Lake of the Torches Resort Casino.

Nearly $50,000 in cash and other prizes were awarded during the tournament that was attended by tour players from four states.

"This was one of the best organized and promoted events that I've seen, including national competitions," said Dean Roeseler, president/CEO of DR Pool Promotions, Inc. of Watertown, Wis., which helped sponsor the event.

The finals included three days of play in which players squared off to see if they could advance to the final rounds held late Sunday night. First place in the tournament went to Matt Beckwith of Big Rapids, MI., second place went to Dan Hose of Juneau, WI., and third place went to Kevin Schmidt of Merrill, WI.

The weekend event was a culmination of the exciting Native American Casino Pool Tour that was held at casinos throughout the Midwest. A total of 157 qualifying players from around the Midwest participated in the contest.

"One of the best aspects of this tournament was that the handicap system allowed amateurs of all levels to compete on an even scale," Roeseler said.

One highlight of the weekend was the special appearance of Janet Atwell, who is currently ranked 26th by the Woman's Professional Billiards Association and competes in tournaments across the country.

"It was an awesome event," she said. "It felt like it was Christmas time because of all the prizes and the excitement of the participants."

Atwell has been playing pool for the past 16 years and has been playing professionally for the past two years. During the tournament she played a 9-ball competition in which tournament participants competed against her, including one competitor who used a broomstick to play. Those beating her were placed into drawings for one of eight $100 prizes.

She also autographed pool balls and photographs for fans.

"She definitely added a special touch to the tournament," Roeseler said.

Major sponsors of the event were: Lake of the Torches Resort Casino, DR Pool, Jackson Custom Cue, Generation Jewelers of Watertown, WI., Crystal Cue and Rec Room and Sedlak Motors of Minocqua.

"We thank all participants and sponsors who helped make the finals a spectacular event," said Randy Soulier, Director of Marketing at Lake of the Torches Resort Casino.

Situated on the shores of Pokegama Lake, the resort has a feel of a classic Northwoods retreat and reflects its Ojibwe culture and heritage. The casino has over 800 slot machines (including a non-smoking area), 12 blackjack tables, a high-stakes Bingo Hall seating up to 500 persons, a 24-hour food court and the Eagle's Nest Restaurant. The hotel has 101 well-appointed rooms, the Dancing Waters Lounge and versatile business center. The 8,500 square-foot Convention Center with the Hall of Nations offers an outstanding venue for entertainment, receptions, trade shows, meetings, presentations and seminars. The Woodlands OasisSM Recreation and Fitness Center includes a large pool, 19-person whirlpool, sauna, kiddie pool, complete exercise room and an arcade.

Top Payouts were as follows:
Top prize winners of some of the over $23,000 in additional door prizes were:

1- Matt Beckwith Big Rapids, MI $4224
2- Dan Hose Juneau, WI $2316
3- Kevin Schmidt Merril, WI $1871
4- Jesse Noyola Kenosha, WI $1508
5- Mike Deppe Waterloo, WI $1201
5- John Olson Appleton, WI $1201
7- Tim Gamerdinger West Bend, WI $880
7- Dan Coppens Appleton, WI $880
$1800 Jackson cue and case Craig Furno
$2200 Poker table/chairs Don Phillips
$1500 used car certificate Breed Shepard
RCI Vacation Berry Chapman
Foosball Table Mat Strong
Packer Tickets Don Secor
$1000 used car certificate Lupe Rosas
Pair of Sterling 9-ball rings Bart Goode
Winner of the Jackson Custom Cue raffle $1500 cue was Connie O'Heron

The tournament payed out 48 places plus an additional 8 in the $1000 last chance. For more information on these events please visit the website of drpool.net. Tournament Produces Largest Payout in Midwest History at Lake of the Torches

Lac du Flambeau, Wis. - History was made the weekend of April 29 - May 1 when the largest one division singles tournament payout ever in the Midwest was awarded during the Native American Pool Tournament Finals at Lake of the Torches Resort Casino.

Nearly $50,000 in cash and other prizes were awarded during the tournament that was attended by tour players from four states.

"This was one of the best organized and promoted events that I've seen, including national competitions," said Dean Roeseler, president/CEO of DR Pool Promotions, Inc. of Watertown, Wis., which helped sponsor the event.

The finals included three days of play in which players squared off to see if they could advance to the final rounds held late Sunday night. First place in the tournament went to Matt Beckwith of Big Rapids, MI., second place went to Dan Hose of Juneau, WI., and third place went to Kevin Schmidt of Merrill, WI.

The weekend event was a culmination of the exciting Native American Casino Pool Tour that was held at casinos throughout the Midwest. A total of 157 qualifying players from around the Midwest participated in the contest.

"One of the best aspects of this tournament was that the handicap system allowed amateurs of all levels to compete on an even scale," Roeseler said.

One highlight of the weekend was the special appearance of Janet Atwell, who is currently ranked 26th by the Woman's Professional Billiards Association and competes in tournaments across the country.

"It was an awesome event," she said. "It felt like it was Christmas time because of all the prizes and the excitement of the participants."

Atwell has been playing pool for the past 16 years and has been playing professionally for the past two years. During the tournament she played a 9-ball competition in which tournament participants competed against her, including one competitor who used a broomstick to play. Those beating her were placed into drawings for one of eight $100 prizes.

She also autographed pool balls and photographs for fans.

"She definitely added a special touch to the tournament," Roeseler said.

Major sponsors of the event were: Lake of the Torches Resort Casino, DR Pool, Jackson Custom Cue, Generation Jewelers of Watertown, WI., Crystal Cue and Rec Room and Sedlak Motors of Minocqua.

"We thank all participants and sponsors who helped make the finals a spectacular event," said Randy Soulier, Director of Marketing at Lake of the Torches Resort Casino.

Situated on the shores of Pokegama Lake, the resort has a feel of a classic Northwoods retreat and reflects its Ojibwe culture and heritage. The casino has over 800 slot machines (including a non-smoking area), 12 blackjack tables, a high-stakes Bingo Hall seating up to 500 persons, a 24-hour food court and the Eagle's Nest Restaurant. The hotel has 101 well-appointed rooms, the Dancing Waters Lounge and versatile business center. The 8,500 square-foot Convention Center with the Hall of Nations offers an outstanding venue for entertainment, receptions, trade shows, meetings, presentations and seminars. The Woodlands OasisSM Recreation and Fitness Center includes a large pool, 19-person whirlpool, sauna, kiddie pool, complete exercise room and an arcade.

Top Payouts were as follows:
Top prize winners of some of the over $23,000 in additional door prizes were:

1- Matt Beckwith Big Rapids, MI $4224
2- Dan Hose Juneau, WI $2316
3- Kevin Schmidt Merril, WI $1871
4- Jesse Noyola Kenosha, WI $1508
5- Mike Deppe Waterloo, WI $1201
5- John Olson Appleton, WI $1201
7- Tim Gamerdinger West Bend, WI $880
7- Dan Coppens Appleton, WI $880
$1800 Jackson cue and case Craig Furno
$2200 Poker table/chairs Don Phillips
$1500 used car certificate Breed Shepard
RCI Vacation Berry Chapman
Foosball Table Mat Strong
Packer Tickets Don Secor
$1000 used car certificate Lupe Rosas
Pair of Sterling 9-ball rings Bart Goode
Winner of the Jackson Custom Cue raffle $1500 cue was Connie O'Heron

The tournament payed out 48 places plus an additional 8 in the $1000 last chance. For more information on these events please visit the website of drpool.net.