2016 Junior Championships... page 14

Volume 16, Number 3, May 2016 VNEA 8-BALL NEWS & VIEWS THE MAGAZINE FOR PLAYERS

Regional Events... pg. 10

Bally’s “Canal Shoppes” Have Something For Everyone! VNEA Championships Thrive In “Heart Of The Strip”

Inside 8-Ball News & Views Features

2 President’s Report 4 2016 LeagueSMART Heart Of 6 The Doctor’s In 7 2016 Hall of Famers 10 Regional Events The Strip 14 2016 Junior Tourney 17 1 On 1 With The Wizard 19 Billiards With Briesath 22 2016 Vegas Event

Editors... Tom Elum Publication Chair

Gregg Elliott Executive Director

Brian Elliott Marketing/Promotions

Editor reserves the right to edit and reject all submitted materials and/or advertisements. 8 All rights reserved. Reproduction or other use of editorial content is strictly forbidden without consent. 6 19

VNEA encourages all members to submit articles, pictures, etc. of activities in your area. Forward comments, materials and advertising inquiries to VNEA Headquarters.

10

May • 2016 1 President’s Report by Judy Mehle

It’s Tourney Time!

The May issue of 8-Ball News & Views always brings excitement as that means Current VNEA President, Judy Mehle from BMW Billiards in Loveland, Colorado the VNEA World Pool Championships is only a few weeks away. The tournament is May 26 - June 4 at Bally’s in Las Vegas. If you are attending the big event you can The VNEA Junior Pool Championships Summer months. This can be a great check to make sure if you are registered, is just around the corner, June 16-19 in way to meet other players that you do not go online to Compusport.us. If there are Erie, Pennsylvania. If planning to attend normally play. questions or problems with your registra- make sure to get your entries into your Hope everyone had a great season and tion, contact your local Charter Holder. local operator. good luck and safe travels to everyone at- While at the Tournament, stop by the The start of Summer Leagues is quickly tending the VNEA World Championships! VNEA Booth and visit Tommy and help approaching. If you do not normally play support the Junior Program by participat- in a Summer League, this is the year to - VNEA President ing in “fundraisers” and get a chance to find a league to join. Continue your game Judy Mehle win some great prizes. all year long by playing throughout the

One lucky player will take home this incredible, one-of-a-kind, “36th Annual” Valley Home Table at the upcoming Vegas Championships!

2 8-Ball News & Views May • 2016 3 VNEA & NDA Join Forces for League SMART 2016 in Milwaukee, WI

The Valley National 8-Ball League Association (VNEA) and AMOA- National Dart Association (NDA) will once again partner to host the biennial educational conference League SMART. The conference will be held July 14-16, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with the theme being “Brewing Successful Leagues.”

Owners of coin-operated vending companies and league coordinators from across the world will be traveling to Milwaukee for this two-day event designed around topics such as developing leagues, player relations and developing business through social media, sponsorships and more.

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND? • Learn ways to increase your bottom line by hearing new ideas and tips on ways to grow your leagues and business. • Discuss the latest industry trends and challenges with your peers and colleagues. • Develop a network of industry professionals to learn and grow from and compare tips and tricks with. • Meet face-to-face with VNEA and NDA leaders and major manufacturers of pool tables and electronic dart machines.

Registration is FREE to VNEA Members. Here is the link to Register... https://www.eventbrite.com/e/league-smart-2016-tickets-21039490683 Just click on the Green “Get Tickets” Box and Register.

This year’s conference will be held at Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel. The cost per room is $99 per night and must be reserved by June 11, to receive the special group discount.

HOTEL INFORMATION

All events will take place at the following location.

Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel 375 South Moorland Road Brookfield, WI 53006

Reserve now at 262-364-1100, press 2 and ask for the League SMART 2016 - Milwaukee Room Block.

Special rate of $99 per night for League SMART attendees is available.

Reservations must be made by June 11, 2016. Click below to reserve online now. https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/events/start.action?id=1509235649&key=286788DB

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet industry leaders and manufacturers in both pool and dart, ask questions and receive advice and recommendations.

Visit VNEA.com for more information. As the program develops, details will be available on the VNEA website.

4 8-Ball News & Views January • 2012 5 The Artistic Pocket Newsletter

By Tom Rossman

APPLYING LEFT-BRAIN SENSES AND RIGHT-BRAIN SENSES WITH CLARITY • “90% of The Game is Half Mental.” – Yogi Berra • “All of The Game is 100% Engrained Perception.” – Dr. Cue

SPECIAL NOTE: I had been teaching the mental game for decades when a close friend of mine named Rob Dickman from Canon City, CO, gave me a small ceramic brain with distinct, colorful lines on the outside depicting its two primary sides. The left side and right side were simple in design, which reminded me to present the amazing nature of the overall brain functions in an easy to understand manner. I am confident that you will achieve a thorough understanding of how both sides of the brain are supposed to work in harmony with each other so that you might achieve a “mental victory” both on and off the table. The brain has ten specific and primary senses, as follows:

Five Left-Brain Senses (LBS): Analytical Nature (Point-By-Point; Step-By-Step) Sight (physical sense with eyes) - See aiming / alignment lines, balls, pockets, , etc. Sound (physical sense with ears) - Hear tip hitting ball, clicking and dropping of balls, etc. Feeling (physical sense with hands, etc.) - Feel cue sensation through hands / arms to brain. Taste (physical sense with mouth) - Taste food / drink – (nicknamed “Wimpy) ate hot dogs like “Wimpy” in Popeye eating hamburgers – played often better as he “tasted” each shot, so to speak, in a flavor – associated comfort zone. Smell (physical sense with nose) - Smell odors - personally I love the smell of popcorn pop- ping, so if that scenario exists, I “smell” each shot, so to speak, in an odor – associated comfort zone. Note: These senses develop the foundation of our game point-by-point – which cre- ate the perception of an: act / process / situation / environment (often with emotional attachment).

Five Right-Brain Senses (RBS): Free Flowing (Automatic Release; “Alive Stroke”) Sight (Mental implant to “mind’s eye” seeing all in its entirety before shot) - then releasing! Sound (Mental implant to audio banks before shot) - then releasing! Feeling (Mental implant to tactile endings which allows feel before shot) - then releasing! Taste (Mental implant of eating flavors before shot) - then releasing! Smell (Mental implant of odor factors before shot) - then releasing! Notes: These implanted / engrained senses are released automatically after significant programmingand/or conditioning of act / process / situation via repetition and “perfect” practice. These senses see, hear, feel, taste, and smell, but do not “focus” like the left brain, but rather “observe” something happening (from the sidelines, so to speak). These senses do not care if something is “right or wrong,” but will “short circuit” if something is done that is outside the conditioned / programmed act / process, situation it has learned from long effort / implant. Moral Of Story: Literal makes and literal misses can both be OK to the right brain, if conditioned and programmed by the left brain! When applied to practice routines, dozens of EASY left-brain exercises will produce consistent “make” implants to the right brain, which will establish higher confidence levels for your game, until next time, when...

SPECIAL NOTE: The above content is from my new instructional manual entitled: STUDENT OF THE GAME AND LIFE! To receive a “free” copy of this 70-page manual in a PDF color format document (11.6MB), please email me at: [email protected]! The Drs In...

6 8-Ball News & Views 2016 VNEA Hall of Fame Inductees The latest inductees into the prestigious VNEA Hall of Fame have gone through an extensive review process which consisted of the following...

John Everett Bob Garza M & G Services • Brookfield, OH D & R Star • Rochester, MN Years In VNEA: 34 Years Playing Pool: 40 Years In VNEA: 36 Years Playing Pool: 55

Ruthie Taylor Sharen (From) Vermule Pioneer Vending • Adrian, MI N.T.S. • Omaha, NE Years In VNEA: 19 Years Playing Pool: 40 Years In VNEA: 25 Years Playing Pool: 35

Nominations were received by player members and Charter Holders throughout the entire world.

The Awards Committee reviewed each nomination carefully and extensively and after many months of hard work chose the individuals listed herein based on the following criteria: • Good Sportsmanship and Professional Attitude. • Promoter and participant in the development of pool and the VNEA. • Active participant in the many affairs of their local, regional and state VNEA programs over an accomplished career. • Various accomplishments in local, state, regional and international competitions. The Drs In... The nominations were presented to the VNEA Executive Committee who offered their unanimous approval. All members will receive their Official Certification and Award at the Induction Ceremonies to be held at the 36th Annual VNEA World Pool Championships Opening Ceremonies.

May • 2016 7 8 8-Ball News & Views May • 2016 9 REGIONAL EVENTS Brookings, South Dakota / by Alvin Gerlach

Rounding 3rd #1 TNT Enterprises C Division Men’s 8-Ball Singles 2016 South Dakota The Money Shot Music Service 1st James Pickering Music Service State Pool Tournament The Pump United Games 2nd Tanner Kruse Music Service March 9-13, 2016 - Swiftel Center 3rd Keith Pietz United Games D Division 8-Ball Team 4th Gary Schauer Music Service 1st Sprinkles Are For Winners Auto.Vend. 5-6th Dana Hohn D & E Music TEAM RESULTS... Brittnie Adamson, Larry Goodlander, Ray Johnson United Games Larry Peterson, Diane Pugh, Cheryl Reed, 7-8th Alan Griesse Music Service AA Division 8-Ball Team Paul Wegleitner Frank Salwei Hub Music 1st Wild Hare 1 Music Service of SD 2nd Knotty Pine Dueling Cues Music Service 9-12th Jason Long D & E Music Mike Filholm, Lou Lends His Horse, 3rd Hot Shots Music Service Jason Page Music Service Jason Naglestad, Dave Olson, 4th Pocket Rockets Music Service Jeff Putzier Automatic Vendors Danny Olson, Don Tanner, Todd Voss 5-6th OMG! TNT Enterprises Rob Voeltz Music Service 2nd Off @ The Pocket Music Service VFW Candylickers United Games 3rd Eastside #5 Automatic Vendors 7-8th Double D Saloon! Music Service A Division Women’s 8-Ball Singles 4th JJ’s Bad Boys Music Service Short Bus Allstars Music Service 1st Hannah Hohn D & E Music 9-12th Lucky Horse Shoe D & E Music 2nd Lori Gourneau D & E Music A Division 8-Ball Team Overtime Shooters D & E Music 3rd Sheila Smith Music Service 1st Cactus Jacks Automatic Vendors Scratch Addicts Music Service 4th Charlotte Johnson Music Service Don Pugh, Riley Pugh, Robert Pugh, Sir Richards TNT Enterprises Ron St. Pierre B Division Women’s 8-Ball Singles 2nd Scoreboard Replacements Manford Music 1st Liz Olson Automatic Vendors 3rd Plan B TNT Enterprises SINGLES RESULTS... 2nd Justine Griesse Music Service 4th Longhorn #5 D & E Music 3rd Myrna Stuefen Music Service 5-6th Breakroom Strikers Rushmore AA Division Men’s 8-Ball Singles 4th Denise Decker Music Service Flame Throwers Hub Music 1st Dan Hein Music Service 2nd Dave Carrick Rushmore C Division Women’s 8-Ball Singles B Division 8-Ball Team 3rd Dave Olson Music Service 1st Traci Thoreson Music Service 1st Lemke’s My Balls Your MSOSD 4th Dave Benning Music Service 2nd Cathy Wiebers Music Service Weston Byrd, Garrett Davis, Rick Lemke, 5-6th Chad Pew Music Service 3rd Chrystal Sundermann Music Service Brad Lemke Tim Peterson Music Service 4th Teresa Bailly United Games 2nd Breakroom Crack Em Rushmore 3rd Sharks With Frikin Lazers United Games A Division Men’s 8-Ball Singles 4th Seal Team 6 (Alibi) Music Service 1st Ryan Deighton Music Service 5-6th Big’s Stroke Daddy’s Music Service 2nd Kurt Petersen Hub Music Lyons Den Men Music Service 3rd Richard Zahnow Music Service 7-8th Charlie’s II Music Service 4th Steve Iron Road Freidel’s Music Tailgator Stallions Music Service 5-6th Mitch Glover TNT Enterprises 9-12th Bucks Gunslingers Music Service Ole Olsen TNT Enterprises Hurst’s Corner Blackeyes Manford Music 7-8th Kurt Olson Music Service Lemke’s 1 Music Service Larry Anderson Music Service The Outsiders Automatic Vendors B Division Men’s 8-Ball Singles C Division 8-Ball Team 1st Dean Moss Music Service 1st Breakroom Longshots Rushmore 2nd Mark Garrow Music Service Jerry Bassett, Lucas Goodshield, 3rd Brad Pederson Music Service Dallas Neiger, Troy Schlenker, Irv Sterner 4th Matt Spade Music Service 2nd JJ’s Cue’s Brothers Music Service 5-6th Ben Schell Music Service 3rd Schwan’s #1 Hub Music Mike Gall TNT Enterprises 4th Phoenix 6 Music Service 7-8th Brent Hood D & E Music 5-6th Rec Bar Get A Cue D & E Music Rob Pugh Automatic Vendors Walnut #1 TNT Enterprises 9-12th Dan Pease Automatic Vendors 7-8th Bonzai Boys Music Service Darwin Erickson Music Service The Dame & D’Boys Manford Music Darwin Street Music Service 9-12th Dakota Arrows D & E Music Kevin Kleinsasser Manford Music

10 8-Ball News & Views REGIONAL EVENTS Brookings, South Dakota

AA Team Champions: Wild Hare #1 A Team Champions: Cactus Jacks

B Team Champions: LEMKE’S My Balls Your Rack C Team Champions: Breakroom Longshots

D Team Champions: Sprinkles Are For Winners Men’s AA 8-Ball Singles Champion: Dan Hein

Men’s A 8-Ball Singles Champion: Ryan Deighton Men’s B 8-Ball Singles Champion: Dean Moss Men’s C 8-Ball Singles Champion: James Pickering

Women’s A 8-Ball Singles Champion: Hannah Hohn Women’s B 8-Ball Singles Champion: Liz Olson Women’s C 8-Ball Singles Champion: Traci Thoreson May • 2016 11 REGIONAL EVENTS Battle Creek, Michigan / by Toni Pettit-Zahm

3rd Brian Winters Sportsman’s Division 2016 Michigan 4th Nathan Burpee 1st The Talons B.C. I State Pool Tournament 5-6th Mike Homrich & Ray Pulido Anthony Burns, Bill Cobb, Dave Westfall, Dennis Glutz, Larry Holton, Rick Flannery, Steve Brown April 13-17, 2016 - Kellogg Arena Men’s Masters 8-Ball Singles 2nd Brick Wall B 1st Andy Benn 3-4th Liquid Rainbow 2nd John Binion Hit It in the Hole TEAM RESULTS... 3rd Troy Anderson 4th Danny Coleman Congratulations to all of our players and thank you The 24th Annual Michigan State Pool Tourna- 5-6th Dave Noppe & Mike Ryan for a fabulous 2016. We hope to see everyone back ment started out on Wednesday evening with the to check out what’s in store for the 25th Anniversary! Ladies 8-Ball Singles Scotch Doubles events. There were 37 Open entries 1st Karla Crum that played into the night with the following results... 2nd Susan Nightengale Regular Scotch Doubles 3rd Vicky Hamblim 1st Brian & Brenda Roberts 4th Nancy Brown 2nd Betsy Black & Matt Goretzka 5-6th Elise Bentley & Ludeania Buell 3rd Ashley Conn & Jared Kolle Ladies Masters 8-Ball Singles Masters Scotch Doubles 1st Carol Laratta 1st Carrie Mock & Justin Palmer 2nd Kathy Schoenig 2nd Brandis Lebeau & Fred Brown 3rd Jody Taylor 3rd Lonnie Fox & John Binion 4th Rebecca Venson 5-6th Jennifer Gardner & Kris Logan What great matches and fabulous players to watch. Friday afternoon brought in 93 Open Men’s Teams Regular Scotch Doubles Champions: Brian & Brenda Roberts Thursday morning opened with 9 Ball Singles, and 24 Ladies Teams with Saturday morning bringing in 111 Open Players, 29 Masters, 22 Ladies welcoming 16 Ladies Masters and 9 Men’s Master Division and 29 Master Ladies. Top finishers were: teams. After 24 hours of competing, the Top 3 Teams Men’s 9-Ball Singles from each division came back on Sunday morning 1st Justin Palmer for the finals.The 24th Annual Michigan State 2nd Brian Winters Champions: 3rd Matt Briggs Men’s Teams 4th Matt Goretzka 1st Good Ole Boys 5-6th Dennis Garner & Kyle Ward Joe Fraley, Kyle Ward, Lance Cowles, Les McCleary, Men’s Masters 9-Ball Singles Randy Linton, Rob Kempkens, Scott George 1st Andy Benn 2nd Mexican Connection 2nd Rich Turf 3rd Jalapenos Ladies 8-Ball Singles Champion: Karla Crum 3rd Thumper Kimble 4th Balls Deep 4th Jeff Anderson Men’s Masters Teams Ladies 9-Ball Singles 1st Something Twisted 1st Susan Nightengale Andy Benn, Jared Kolle, John Binion, Marc Roedel, 2nd Jo Colvin Scott Brown 3rd Carrie Swanson 2nd Good Rolls 4th Betsy Black 3rd Strokin 5-6th Kathy Pupos & Kirstie Sadler Ladies Teams Ladies Masters 9-Ball Singles 1st Doomsday Divas 1st Lonnie Fox Danielle Ewers, Kathy Schnoenig, 2nd Melissa Kipp Kristine Homminga, Mary Ann Marr Ladies 9-Ball Singles Champion: Susan Nightengale 3rd Andrea Fitzgerald 2nd Fabulous 4th Phoebe Galey 3rd The Juggs 5-6th Carol Laratta & Jen Polik Ladies Masters Teams 1st USCAN2 It doesn’t stop there. At 6p, 8-Ball Singles began. Jen Polik, Laurie Dumaine, Sherryrodaka Laterell, There were 215 Open Men Players, 34 Men’s Mas- Susan Nightengale ters, 59 Men in the Seniors Division, 73 Ladies, 36 2nd Pocket Ninja’s Ladies Masters and 9 Lady Seniors. Top finishers 3rd Still Kickin were: Saturday afternoon offered a “Sportsman’s” Division Men’s 8-Ball Singles for our 2 and out teams. With it being a gorgeous 1st Jared Kolle afternoon, we still had 15 teams participate. 2nd Josh Spagnoletti Ladies Team Champions: Doomsday Diva’s 12 8-Ball News & Views REGIONAL EVENTS Battle Creek, Michigan

Ladies Master 8-Ball Singles Champion: Carol Laratta Ladies Master 9-Ball Singles Champion: Lonnie Fox Men’s Senior 8-Ball Singles Champion: Rod Garrison

Men’s Master 9-Ball Singles Champion: Andy Benn Men’s 8-Ball Singles Champion: Jared Kolle Men’s 9-Ball Singles Champion: Justin Palmer

Ladies Master Team Champions: USCAN2

Men’s Master Team Champions: Something Twisted

Men’s Team Champion: Good Ole Boys May • 2016 13 26th Annual 2016 VVNEANEA JUNIOR POOL

Bayfront Convention Center Erie, Pennsylvania June 16-19 80 BEAUTIFUL VALLEY TABLES 3 DIVISIONS IMPRESSIVE TEAM OPENING CEREMONIES Jr. YOUTH: AGES 7-13 8-BALL TEAMS • MALE & FEMALE SINGLES MINOR: AGES 14-17 ONLINE REGISTRATION VIA CHARTER HOLDER MAJOR: AGES 18-20 MINI’S • FUN-FILLED PLAYERS RECEPTION ARTISTIC & CHALLENGES ALL-STAR “TOP CAT” EVENT 4 8 2 1 3 +

TM

VISIT VNEA.COM FOR ALL THE DETAILS

14 8-Ball News & Views BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS AND TONS OF FUN ACTIVITIES AWAIT VNEA’S JUNIORS AS THEY PREPARE FOR COMPETITION IN ERIE!

June 16-19, 2016 THURSDAY, JUNE 16 • 2016 Bayfront Convention Center Noon Room Opens for Practice Erie, Pennsylvania 2:00 - 6:00 pm Singles Check-In & Charter Holder Packets VNEA Juniors are headed East next 6:00 - 11:00 pm Singles Competition Summer for the Annual World Champion- TBA Mini-Singles Competition ships! Erie has welcomed our players with open arms and promises to make FRIDAY, JUNE 17 • 2016 everyone’s trip to Pennsylvania one 9:00 am - 11:00 pm Singles Competition that they will remember for a lifetime. 4:00 - 6:30 pm Team Events Check-In And our VNEA Juniors will be ready! 7:00 - 8:00 pm Players Reception We expect over 300 junior shooters at TBA - 11:00 pm Mini-Singles Competition this event representing Canada, New TBA All-Star Team Event Zealand and over a dozen States. 80 Valley Pool Tables will be set up for our SATURDAY, JUNE 18 • 2016 sanctioned junior league players ranging 8:30 am Opening Ceremonies in age from 7-20. The participants will - Singles Trophy Presentation be broken up into three divisions playing 9:00 am Team Competition Begins matches in Singles, Team and Scotch 5:00 - 6:30 pm Jr. Scotch Doubles Sign-Up Doubles formats. 6:00 pm Charter Holder Reception 7:00 pm E2P Challenge Now is the time to get your Junior 7:30 pm Jr. Scotch Doubles Begins League Players qualified for this incred- TBA Hardluck Competition ible event. Your kids only need a total of 6 weeks of league play to qualify. So get SUNDAY, JUNE 19 • 2016 busy and let’s get as many kids qualified 9:00 am Team Competition continues for this event as possible! Continual Awards Presentation

For all of the details on this incredible event, please click on the Junior Tournament Poster in the bottom, right corner of the Homepage (VNEA.com) + or click on the link below... http://vnea.com/2016-vnea-junior-pool-championships.aspx

May • 2016 15

1-On-1 With The Wizard Heart Of A Champion... I Met This Amazing Man In Michigan.

Q Full name? A Hiram Zayas

Q Age? A 64

Q How long have you been playing pool? A I started playing pool at Lathrop Boys & Girls Club of at the age of 9. Back then, we played on Tables.

Q How long have you been playing VNEA Leagues? A I’ve been involved for 4 years.

Q Where are you from? A New Buffalo, Michigan

Q What are your other hobbies besides pool? A I enjoy swimming and driving the country roads in my convertible.

Q How come we didn’t have a “Challenge” Match? Dave & Hiram at the 2016 A I’m too good for you! Michigan State Tournament

Q Tell me about your Youtube site you plan on starting to help bring awareness of what can be accomplished with a little effort? A Yes, I’m planning on starting a Youtube site this Summer that will train “average” players on how to aim better and make 95% of their shots. It will be called the “Triple Verification Approach”.

Q Have you ever been to the VNEA World Championships in Las Vegas? A No I haven’t, but I would surely love to go.

Q What is your favorite pool game? A It’s definitely 8-Ball now, but I really enjoyed playing 9-Ball in college.

Note from Hiram... I am honored to be a VNEA League Member and really enjoy meeting people whose lives I have impacted and helped become better players.

Good Luck - Dave “The Ginger Wizard” Pearson

May • 2016 17 BMW BILLIARDS Ft. Collins • Loveland • Greeley Ph: 970.391.7664 Fax: 970.663.1276 e: [email protected]

Aactive Coin Machines

Scott Morgan [email protected]

GARY / SHANNON BENSON Ph 204.233.POOL (7665) Phone: 800.262.7665 • Fax: 970.223.0578 41 Burnett Ave. e-Mail: [email protected] Winnipeg, Manitoba

C & N Sales "Players Association" Proudly Represents Pool Players In MARSHALL KOHTZ Minnesota & Iowa League Director

Member VVS MUSIC AND GAMES 2005 “Y” Street of the Lincoln, Nebraska 68503 Phone: 1-800-662-2924 "7 States" website: vvsleagues.com Group

18 8-Ball News & Views Billiards With Briesath Never Stop Working On Your Stroke

By Jerry Briesath

If you are like most amateurs you started playing pool and each year you learned more about the game and improved steadily for several years and then all of a sudden you stopped getting better and you don’t know why. You learn more about the game every year and you get smarter about the game every year and you just don’t play better. You know as much or more about the game as many players better than you but you just can’t seem to play at the level of your knowledge. This is almost always caused by not handling the cue stick as well as the better players. A good stroke is what makes those better players more consistent and win more games than you. A good stroke is a very smooth throwing motion with a slow backswing and then accelerating perfectly straight through the cue ball 4 to 6 inches. You can check your stroke by placing the cue ball on the spot and shooting at object balls at the other end of the table near the corner pockets. When you are finished with your warm-up strokes you al- ways stop at the cue ball and check your final aim. Then take a slow backswing and accelerate straight through the cue ball 4 to 6 inches and freeze and check out how you finished the shot. The cue stick should be perfectly straight across the spot 4 to 6 inches even if you miss the shot. If your backswing is too fast it is very difficult to hit the cue ball exactly where you aimed at it and that’s why a slow back- swing is very important no matter how hard you strike the cue ball. Following through too far is almost as bad as poking and not following through at all. Try to maintain that 4 to 6 inch follow through on almost every shot. A little work on that stroke can do wonders for your game. Good Luck - Jerry A Pool Lesson With Jerry Briesath This is the name of World Renown Pool Instructor Jerry Briesath’s latest “Labor of Love”. This amazing, “3-DVD Set” contains 4.5 hours of priceless Pool Lessons that Jerry has layed out in an easy-to-learn visual format. Jerry has poured his heart into this project for the past year and a half and proclaims it the best training tool in the industry! This incredible offer is available for sale at: poollessons.com. This set contains lessons covering over 60 Popular Topics!

May • 2016 19 VNEA.com Site Map About Us Board of Directors Past Presidents Online Answers Charter Holder FAQ’s Company Objectives VNEA History Visit our site and get answers to all Code of Ethics Testimonials of your league questions, and more! Staff Contact Us 8-Ball News & Views Current Issue Archived Issues Submit an Article Advertising Info Rules 15/16 Rule Changes 9-Ball Rules 8-Ball Rules Scotch Doubles Rules General Definitions Tournaments 2016 Vegas Details 2016 Junior Tr. Info State/Provincial & Affiliated Results 2015 Vegas 2015 Juniors Past Int’l Champs 2015/16 State/Provincial Master, IM, Pro Listings Pro Player Listing Master & IM Player List Calendar Of Events Sponsors Current Members Member Benefits How to Join Sponsorship Plans Facebook Advertising Options VNEA’s exciting Facebook Page streams LIVE on our homepage. Vegas Booth Info Bally’s Forms Calendar Of Upcoming Events Find A League State, Provincial & Affiliated Tournaments as well as meetings and deadlines. Find a League Google Maps is also available to find your way to all of our events! Player Benefits Charter Holder Area Special Charter Holder Section Charter Benefits Helpful material for Charter Holders to more efficiently operate their leagues. National Awards Program Charter Holder Login Hall Of Fame Member Biographies Hall of Fame Enlightening biographies and photos of VNEA’s Illustrious Hall members. Hall of Fame Members Hall of Fame Ballot 8-Ball News & Views Magazine Merchandise The complete, full-color, popular Player Magazine is now available on-line. Clothing, etc. Stop by VNEA.com and flip through its entertaining pages.

20 8-Ball News & Views NEW The Cougar Duramith™ magnetic cue ball by Aramith

The new generation.

The Cougar Duramith magnetic cue ball features the Duramith technology with its hi-tech engineered molecular structure enhancing drastically the longevity of the balls while minimizing significantly table cloth wear. With a life-time that exceeds up to 8 times that of the average polyester and phenol-like resins, reaching easily up to 40 years in residential use, Aramith balls are the logical choice for both the trade and the player.

Duramith™ the new benchmark

With the Duramith™ Technology, the Aramith resins entered their 4th generation. With a totally overhauled resin formulation with new hi-tech reticulation, cross-linking and curing technologies, the Aramith products now set a new benchmark in quality, durability & longevity, increasing their service life up to 50% during which :

 their through-hardened vitrified surface and core holds their With its new Duramith™ formulation, the 4th generation Aramith 4 life glossy look products cross new boundaries, guaran-  their specifications, rebound and playing consistency throughout teeing the lowest cost of ownership. the set is maintained all along  the cloth wear and white marks that so easily ruin the look of the table are minimized  their friction resistance minimizes burn spots as well.

The Valley Cougar is a registred trademark of Valley-Dynamo. March • 2016 21 +

22 8-Ball News & Views VIVA LAS VEGAS! Here are just a few exciting events that our players will be experiencing at our “36th Annual” Championships starting May 26th! - VNEA Custom Valley Home Pool Table Raffle - Valley Home Table Giveaways - Bally’s “Blu Pool” is a great place to relax between matches - Over 100 Unique Stores at Bally’s Avenue Shoppes - Thousands of Dollars will be given away at the Awards Banquet finale with several CA$H DRAWINGS! - Great FOOD COURT: Johnny Rockets, Blizz, Pan Asian Express, Nathan’s, Subway, Sbarro & more - A full slate of VENDORS - LIVE STREAMING with TVMike.tv - Daily Drawings for Cues, Aramith Ball Sets, Cabana’s, etc. VNEA really has something for everyone!

For all of the details on this incredible event, click on the Vegas Championships Poster on the Homepage (VNEA.com) or + click on the link below...

http://vnea.com/2016-vnea-world-pool-championships.aspx

May • 2016 23 36th Annual Schedule of Events NOTE... All times are approximate times only.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 2016 Times Posted On-Site: Mini Tournaments WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016 3:00 pm til Midnight: Mini Tournaments 2:00 pm Certified Referee School 9:00 am Team Competition Continues 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Scotch Doubles Sign-Ups Times Posted On-Site: Daily Raffle Times Posted On-Site: Mini Tournaments 3:00 pm 8-Ball Redemption Singles Begins Times Posted On-Site: Daily Raffle THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016 3:00 pm 8-Ball Resurrection Singles Begin 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Prize Money Available 8:00 am - 10:00 am Scotch Doubles Sign-Ups (exceptions posted on-site) 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Hall of Famers Party Times Posted On-Site: Mini Tournaments 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Prize Money Available 7:00 pm Sports Divisions Competition Begins NOON Scotch Doubles Begins (Regular, IM & Master) TBA Masters Singles Finals 1:00 pm - 10:00 pm Certified Instructor Seminar TBA Scotch Doubles Finals THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016 9:00 am Team Competition Continues 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Singles questions, concerns, etc. 9:00 am Executive Committee Meeting Players listed in computer at control stage simply need to MONDAY, MAY 30, 2016 Times Posted On-Site: Mini Tournaments show at their scheduled match. TBA 8-Ball & 9-Ball Finals Times Posted On-Site: Daily Raffle TBA World Team Competition 2:00 pm Redemption Team Division Competition Begins FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016 Times Posted On-Site: Mini Tournaments 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm Prize Money Available (includes Team) 8:00 am - 8:30 am 9-Ball Singles questions, concerns, etc. 10:00 am - 2:30 pm Artistic Finals Shootout #1 3:00 pm Resurrection Division Competition Begins 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Prize Money Available 9:00 am 9-Ball Singles Competition Begins (Women’s Masters & Men’s Intermediate) 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Prize Money Available Times Posted On-Site: Mini Tournaments 8:00 pm President’s Reception/Meritorious Service Award Times Posted On-Site: Daily Raffle Noon - 4:00 pm Cert. Inst. Recertification Class 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm 8-Ball Singles questions, concerns, etc. Noon - 6:00 pm Team questions, concerns, etc. Teams FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016 Players listed in computer at control stage simply need to listed in computer at control stage simply need to show at 9:00 am Team Competition Continues show at their scheduled match. their scheduled match. (Annual patches, pins, luggage tags, 9:00 am Resurrection Division Competition Begins 4:00 pm 9-Ball Sports Singles Begins programs can be picked up at the VNEA Booth) (Women’s Intermediate & Men’s Masters) 5:00 pm 9-Ball Resurrection Singles Begin 7:30 pm Opening Ceremonies and Suds & Chips Mixer Times Posted On-Site: Mini Tournaments (exceptions posted on-site) Parade Of Flags, Hall Of Fame Induction 10:00 am Hardluck Competition 6:00 pm 9-Ball Redemption Singles Begins Singles Awards Presentation 10:00 am - 2:30 pm Artistic Finals VNEA World Shootout 8:30 pm Free Beer, Pop & Snacks (limited quantity) Noon Charter Holders Meeting & C-H Roundtable SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2016 Cash Bar til midnight & Entertainment 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm Prize Money Available 8:00 am - 8:30 am 8-Ball Singles questions, concerns, etc. 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Prize Money Available 9:00 am 8-Ball Singles Competition Begins TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 7:00 pm Cues for Kids Giveaways @ VNEA Booth Times Posted On-Site: Mini Tournaments 7:30 am - 8:30 am Team questions, concerns, etc. TBA Team Finals Times Posted On-Site: Daily Raffle 9:00 am Team Competition Begins 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Prize Money Available Times Posted On-Site: Mini Tournaments SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2016 Times Posted On-Site: Daily Raffle 9:00 am Team Competition Continues SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2016 11:30 am Intermediate Team Begins 10:00 am - Final Match Prize Money Available 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm Cocktails, Banquet, Awards, TBA 3-Person Classic Event Noon - 3:00 pm Prize Money Available Constant Giveaways & Entertainment 9:00 am 8-Ball Singles Competition Continues 4:30 pm Master Team Competition Begins 8:31 pm Curtain Call & Goodbye’s (includes Sports)

TM (Sponsor Of The VNEA) (Title Sponsor Of The VNEA) (Official Ball Of The VNEA Championships)

AUTOsears CENTER (Official Cue Of The VNEA) (Sponsor Of The VNEA) (Sponsor Of The VNEA)

24 8-Ball News & Views Suds & Chips Mixer Band Bally’s Rear Parking Pavilion

PHOENIX is a Classic Rock band based out of Las Vegas, Nevada comprised of five world-class musicians whose individual résumés include extensive work with major recording artists; national and international performances; radio and television appearances; songwriting; and countless studio recordings. Known for its powerful, high- energy performances; incredible vocals and musicianship, PHOENIX has been described by many - including Trip Advisor - as... “the best cover band you will see anywhere”. PHOENIX has been performing for standing-room-only audiences not only in Las Vegas, but throughout the country, playing extended engagements at the New York-New York Hotel & Casino; Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino, the Las Vegas Hilton and South Point Hotel & Casino; as well as numerous corporate events. 5.30.16

May • 2016 25 Awards Banquet 6/4 @ 5p

A Tribute To The Blues Brothers

Thousands Of Dollars In PRODUCTS And CA$H Will Be Given Away At This Years Awards Banquet!

26 8-Ball News & Views VNEA’s NEW Awards Banquet Format! Tons of Fun & Mega-Rewarding! In BALLY’S Event Center

This years Banquet is once again going to feature a great Buffet-Style Dinner, an incredible Awards Presentation, the great sounds of THE BLUES BROTHERS and a Drawing for an amazing, “36th Annual” Valley Custom Home Pool Table.

What makes this Banquet different than mostOne lucky winner... will take home this beautiful, one-of-a-kind “35th Anniversary” Valley CA$H DRAWINGS!Home Pool Table! Every 15 Minutes througout the evening, VNEA is going to be handing out hundreds of dollars to lucky players in the crowd. These Drawings will accumulate to THOUSANDS throughout the night! If you didn’t win anything throughout the week, this is one last opportunity to go home a WINNER! All Tournament Participants in attendance, at the Banquet, will be eligible for CASH DRAWINGS! Starts @ 5pm; Ends @ 8:31pm Saturday, June 4th

May • 2016 27 WIN THIS! One lucky player will take home this incredible, one-of- a-kind, “36th Annual” Valley Home Table at the upcoming Vegas Championships!

28 8-Ball News & Views 1. VNEA Sanction Patch/Pin 6 2. League Champion Chevron 4 This special chevron is available for the members of the first place team in each league.

3. Most Improved Player Patch 5 This award is available for one player 1 in each league who has shown marked 7 improvement over their previous season. 9 4. Most 10/0 Games Pin 2 5. Most 10’s In A Season Pin 6. Most 10’s Consecutively Pin Those players who accomplish the 8 Most 10’s, Most 10/0 Games and Most 10’s Consecutively in a season will be awarded these unique Most 10 Pins. These pins are great additions to anyone’s award collection. 3 7. Break Master Pin It’s when a player gets their first, fifth or 10 tenth 8-On-The-Break or maybe you give it to the player who achieved the most on a team... It’s up to you! 8. Most 8-On The Break Pin For the player in your league who has accomplished the most 8-on the breaks.

9. ERO Pin VNEA offers to its players this very attractive 8-Ball Run-Out pin for their individual effort. 10. Most ERO’s Pin One per league. For the player who achieves the most 8-ball run-outs Awards Collection during the season. 11. Perfect Match Pin 11 When a player holds their opponent 21 scoreless in a league match. 12. Perfect Attendance Pin To be eligible for this award a player must have played every scheduled night of the league. 22 13. League MVP Pin Awarded to the player who has 12 20 escalated to the top of their league. 14. 9 & 10 Average Pins Awarded to those players who end the league season with a 9 or 10 23 average. 15. Sportsmanship Pin Awarded to the player showing the 19 qualities of a true sportsperson 13 throughout the league season. 16. Captain’s Pin Available to the Captain of each league team. 17. Most Consecutive 9-Ball Wins 15 18 18. Most 9-Ball Wins Pin 19. Most 9-Ball Shut Outs Pin 20. Most 9’s On The Break Pin These 9-Ball awards are available for one player in each league who achieves each of these feats at the end of the season. 14 21. 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 Year Member Patches 17 These longevity awards are to thank your players for their continued support and dedication to the VNEA. 16 22. Charlie Cougar Pin 23. VNEA Pool Leagues Pin May • 2016 29 $10 T-Shirts #0063 $ T-Shirt Colors: #0040 55 Black Holloway $ #0070 Khaki 45 Pullover Holloway Navy Jacket Red

White, PocketedT-Shirts WithThis Design On Back

Show up at league Colors: Cement night in style with Black “all new” V.N.E.A. Ordering Information. Logo’d Embroidery - $3 per line #0010 Sizes XXL and up - $2 extra Embroidered Gear. Hat Delivery Time - 2 to 4 weeks $ $ 20 #0050 10 Polo Colors: Black, Navy, Red Shirt $$20 #0071 15 Mock Shirt Jackets, Pullovers, Mocks, Polos, Hats, T-Shirts and more, Specially For Get It All At The Pin Collectors. VNEA Store. #0083 Colors: Black Charlie Cougar Pins Navy Only $1 Red #0030 Colors: Bumper Stickers Black, Navy, Red,Tan (3”X6”) $10 for 25 (Minimum order of 25. Orders in multiples of 25) VNEAVNEA Promotional Promotional Material Material - - ORDER ORDER FORM FORM Item Reference # and Color Embroidered Name Quantity/Size Price

Send fully completed ORDER FORM to: Sub Total $ VNEA Headquarters Shipping & Handling $ 18.0015.00 201S. Henry Street, Bay City, MI 48706 6% MI SalesTax (MI residents only) $ Important Mailing Information below... TotalAmount Due $ Name Address (No P.O. Boxes) City State Zip Code Telephone Signature Conditions of Sale: All orders MUST be accompanied by check or money order... Sorry, No C.O.D. Sales. Make checks payable to: V.N.E.A.

1 8-Ball News & Views • February 2008