Pool is Family

One of my fellow pool playing friends had a great experience at APA Nationals this month.  He wrote a kind of thank you post on FB and I wanted to share it because it touches upon how pool really is a family, and goes beyond just playing the game we love.


From Larry Nicholson:

"About a year ago, Curtis Cardwell asked me to join his Masters team. What would come from the decision to join is unbelievable - "The Story".

Each pool player starts the journey, one day, picking up a cue with timidness and looking at the table & balls with fear.  Perhaps they start at their house or on a random night out with a couple friends.

Unbeknownst to us, this is the start of an amazing journey.

At first, it's just "fun." One day out of the blue, someone invites us to play "league."  Maybe with a little reluctance, because we first think 'we aren't good enough', we are convinced to try it.

Over time, we get better at the game, and get to compete.  Then the world comes to an end - Playoffs, Tri-cups, and Cities. OMG, the nerves prohibit your legs from standing still, and everyone's watching, and "I want to go to Vegas."

Most of us can relate to this so far, and some can already express the sense of accomplishment getting to Vegas. Ahhhhh, the "Destiny" is complete, or is it?

This year, was an eye-opener, even for me.  Only with the intent on shedding some color to the testament, I've been to Vegas 6 times for APA and well over a dozen times with other organizations.

This year was very special to me personally, and an experience I'll never forget. Sure, the team performed well by finishing 5th, but that had nothing to do with it.  Our matches were played in front of tremendous supporters from all over, not only Texas, but California, Florida, and I'm sure other places as well.   Matches weren't just played against other opponents, but were played against friends and the camaraderie & sportsmanship was exemplary.

Still, though, there's more.

Outside of the event, the vision of what it is all about came to light.  People, friends and strangers coming together and forming memories and bonds that will last a lifetime IS what it is all about.

Some got to Vegas, but didn't get to play.  Another person (non pool player) was left in Vegas all alone.   The players stepped up to replace sorrow with joy, solitude with company, and made sacrifices for the sake of others.

My friends, this is what the game we enjoy is all about, and what the APA provides a portal to do.

The opportunities for friendships, relationships, and in some cases, be heroes to others surround us. It is a fact that in our world of pool -- We are a Family!"

-Larry

One of the League Operators (Les Moore) replied:

Very well stated and proud to say, you are one of the family and very proud of the way Quad 7's played in Vegas and especially the great display of sportsmanship throughout the experience.

Another friend added:

"Larry those words you wrote down, the story you told was the best I have read in very long time. You have taken something that some take for granted and reminded us what "this" is all about. And you let everyone become part of the experience. Thank You."