John Schmidt
Newport News, Virginia- Dragon Promotions is joining the fight against lung cancer. On August 3rd, Pockets Billiards in Newport News, VA will host the first Billiards Battles Lung Cancer tournaments and events. The proceeds will go towards lung cancer awareness and to benefit Allen Cox, owner of Pockets who is currently battling lung cancer.
The pool community of players and sponsors have been amazingly supportive. The main sponsor Parrish Amusements made a generous donation as did Andy Cloth which provided brand new cloth for all the tables. Top billiard industry sponsors OB Cues, Scorpion Cues, Pure X Cues, Aramith, Master Chalk, and Pool & Billiard Magazine have all lent their support. Community sponsors in the Hampton Roads area include East Coast Landscaping, Old Bay Seafood Suffolk, Tillage Automotive, Sabins Recoding Services, Pet World, The Sunglass Guy, Qmasters Billiards, Amazing Entertainment, Newport News Amusements, Long's Billiards, the APA Peninsula, and the Action Pool Tour. The landlord put in 2 brand new AC units, and regular patrons helped repaint the poolroom. Allison Fisher donated some autograph gifts and World Champion John Schmidt will be flying in to guest and play in the events.
"It's great to be part of this event and promote the battle against lung cancer. I'm a non-smoker, so I think this is terrific for the image of our sport", said Schmidt.
All total, $5000 has been raised already for the $1000 added prize purses as well as a huge raffle where over 50 prizes will be given away. By far this will be the biggest event Pockets has ever hosted.
Dragon Promotions has donated it's time and services to organize and produce the events. Its founder Charlie Williams grew up in the local mom and pop poolroom. "Allen was very good to me as a kid. He gave me a safe environment for me to learn how to play pool and did alot of little things to make sure I had support. He's a humble and unselfish man, and I will always hold a special place in my heart for him and Pockets", said Williams. Known as the Korean Dragon, Charlie went on to become the most successful pool player to come out of Hampton Roads winning major championships worldwide, numerous television appearances, and eventually holding the #1 ranking on the pro tour at one time before becoming a renown producer.
The event itself will consist of a open men's event, a amateur women's tourney, and a doubles midnight event. A cookout and huge raffle drawing will also take place. On the following day August 4th will be the Andy Cloth Pro Pool School with champs John "Mr.400" Schmidt and Charlie Williams.
Allen Cox has been a pool lover for most of his life. He started playing pool when he was 12. Started cleaning a poolhall called Twines in Suffolk Va when he was 16. He worked in the shipyard for 13 years and was ready to get out of it when the idea of a poolroom entered his mind. He had a group of players that would play in his basement daily, and he already knew a lot about pool so he opened Pockets in 1989.
" I remember when we first opened I was 5, I had my own little stick and had to stand on a milk crate to reach and see over the table to play. Pockets has always been a part of me and Ive gained a second family from all of the dedicated customers that have been coming since we opened. With everything going on now, I've put my own dreams aside of opening my own art gallery and studio to carry on my dads and my love of Pockets. We've been open 24yrs and we plan to stay open for many more years to come!
Pockets recently switched voluntarily to becoming a Non-Smoking poolroom after 2 decades.
Pockets recently switched voluntarily to becoming a Non-Smoking poolroom after 2 decades.
To attend the events is free and to join call Pockets at 757-591-2162. Like and follow Pockets at https://www.facebook.com/
