LAKE SAINT LOUIS, MO (Sept. 15, 2015) — If the excitement shared by 160 young poolplayers who traveled to Davenport, Iowa, in mid-July for the APA Junior Championships is any indication, the future appears bright for the sport of pool as players across the country begin their fall sessions.
A record setting number of juniors, parents and mentors made their way to Sharkey’s Billiards July 16 - 19 to be a part of APA’s 2nd annual event meant to encourage and inspire young people to get involved in pool.
The four-day funfest included an opening banquet that featured the one and only, Black Widow, Jeanette Lee and APA President Reneé Lyle. The Black Widow presented scholastic awards for Outstanding Academic Achievement to many of the participants. She stuck around to make sure every kid that wanted one got an autograph and photo.
Tournament action got underway on Day 2, with players competing in one of three Skill Level Tiers. After three days of competition, which featured countless acts of good sportsmanship, winners were crowned in each Skill Level Tier.
In the Green Tier (skill levels 1-3), Zach Hemendinger of Esperance, N.Y., defeated Ethan Shafer of Decatur, Ill.
In the White Tier (skill levels 4-5), Serena Black of Warrensburg, Ill., defeated Justin Schulte of Lawton, Okla.
In the Black Tier (skill levels 6-9), Timmy Bly of Decatur, Ill., defeated Nathan Childress of North Chesterfield, Va.
Plans are already well underway for what should be another record setting event next July at Sharkey’s in Davenport. Parents and junior players interested in participating should contact their local APA League Operator today!
The APA, based in Lake Saint Louis, Mo., sanctions the world’s largest amateur pool league, with leagues throughout the United States, Canada and Japan. More than 250,000 members compete in weekly 8-Ball and 9-Ball League play. The APA is generally recognized as the Governing Body of Amateur Pool, having established the official rules, championships, formats and handicap systems for the sport of amateur billiards.
The APA produces four major tournaments each year—the APA National Team Championships, the APA Junior Championships, the APA National Singles Championships and the U.S. Amateur Championship—that, together, pay out more than $1.5 Million in cash and prizes annually!
The APA and its championships are sponsored by Aramith, Action Cues and PoolDawg.
For more information on the Junior Championships, visit the official APA website at poolplayers.com.
