Goodlettsville, Tennessee –The Women's Professional Billiard Association (WPBA) will induct Belinda Campos Calhoun, The Texas Belle, from Austin into the WPBA Hall of Fame on November 8 at their 2006 Annual Banquet. The Banquet will be held at the Chinook Winds Casino in Lincoln City, Oregon in conjunction with the Cuetec Cues National Championship Women's Tour Event.
Belinda was introduced to pool by a fellow she was dating during the summer of 1971, in Austin, Texas. “My first attempts were so disastrous, it became an instant challenge,” says Calhoun. “The first time I saw a National Billiard News in 1972 and read that there were tournaments and championships I knew what I wanted to do.”
She qualified to play in her first U.S. Open 14.1 (Straight Pool) Championship in 1977 in her first attempt. “Mother and I flew to Chicago and took the bus to Rockford, Illinois for my first qualifier. The following month I competed in the U.S. Open in Dayton, Ohio and finished 3rd.” She credits her determination to the difficulty of the game itself.
When asked what being a pro has meant to her, she replies, “a lifetime of dedication and sacrifice pursing a passion.” A story that typifies the progress our sport has made, says Calhoun, “In 1985, myself, and three other players were in Kansas City for a tournament. We were being pulled over and I'm shouting "hide the cues, hide the cues." Today, there is awe and wonder displayed when I proudly say, "I'm a professional pool player."
“Being inducted into the WPBA Hall of Fame and joining players like Jean Balukas, Dorothy Wise and Ruth McGinnis never entered my mind. When I started playing it was strictly about striving for excellence and perfection,” said Calhoun. “Now all the years of hard work have paid off. It's just like pool. Focus on the process and the results will come.”
In addition to playing pool every day, giving private and group instruction, Belinda teaches an accredited course in pool at Texas State University. She is also a long time member of Austin Cornerstone Church. In a recent interview, to be included in the 2007 WPBA Media Guide Calhoun was asked, “what are the best words of advice you have received from a friend?” Her answer… DO IT!!
The Women's Professional Billiard Association was formed in 1976 to promote competitive 9-Ball. In 1976 the tournaments were scarce with prize money barely covering the winner's expenses. The organization has grown from a handful of players into a well organized professional tour including a program of nine affiliated, recognized regional tours serving the needs of the over one thousand members in 2006. Since the WPBA began airing on ESPN in 1993, many of the women have become familiar names.
Although there is no physical Hall of Fame at this time, the WPBA is working on a "Virtual Hall of Fame” at WPBA.com for the near future.
