APA Recognizes Top League Operators

LAKE SAINT LOUIS, MO (May 7, 2009) — The American Poolplayers Association (APA) recognized five of their top franchisees with League Operator of the Year awards during the APA Annual Convention in late April in Las Vegas.  The five were selected from a group of more than 260 League Operators throughout North America with one League Operator selected from each market size.

In the Level 1 Market, Joe and Carmen Bond of McCook, Neb., were honored for their performance during the past year.  Steve Floyd of Shreveport, La., was the top League Operator in the Level 2 Market.  In the Level 3 Market, Walter and Emily Mims of Birmingham, Ala., were selected.  Marc Lancaster and Area Manager Kim Ramsey of Raleigh, N.C., were selected in the Level 4 Market.  Lee and Jane Tiani from Washington, D.C. were awarded League Operators of the Year in the Level 5 Market.

The APA awards a number of League Operators each year for their accomplishments in running their League area.  Those selected League Operator of the Year receive a check for $1,000 and a trophy.

In addition to recognizing the League Operators of the Year, the APA also awarded the Rookie and Journeyman of the Year awards.  Brad Rees of Central Square, N.Y, received the Rookie of the Year Award, while John and Kelly Croft of Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, were selected for the Journeymen of the Year Award.  The Journeyman of the Year is presented to the top League Operator who is no longer a rookie, but not yet eligible to receive the League Operator of the Year award.

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.  More than 260,000 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 three major tournaments each year—the APA National Team Championships, the APA National Singles Championships and the U.S. Amateur Championship—that, together, pay out nearly $1.5 Million in cash and prizes annually!

The APA and its championships are sponsored by Cuetec Cues and PoolDawg.

For more information on the American Poolplayers Association, visit www.poolplayers.com.