A YOUNG MAN’S JOURNEY
By Mary Kenniston
A little less than twenty years ago, a young boy picked up a cue in a bar owned by his parents and the die was cast.
The boy was captivated by the sound of clicking balls and schooled by his father – a pretty good player in his own right – he rapidly improved and within a few short years became the best player in the area! At the age of eleven, he was entered into the Juniors Championship at the Super Billiards Expo - and won!
He went on to win five out of the next seven junior titles – still a record to this day - and was thrilled to be named to the Atlantic Challenge Cup team – a Mosconi Cup-like team for junior players. Experiencing his first coaching by professional players, he would play on the team for three years.
And, although he played on the football, baseball and basketball teams in school, pool was always number one in his heart.
Five years ago, his parents opened a billiards room in Roanoke, VA. Practicing every day and fine-tuning his knowledge and skills at The Wolf’s Den, the boy was becoming a force to be reckoned with.
He broke through in 2021 winning the Maryland Bar Table Nine Ball Championship and followed that by becoming the 2022 Music City Open champ. Last year was his best – so far – finishing high at both the Midwest Open’s and the Texas Open’s Banks divisions, Buffalo’s Pro One Pocket Championship and claiming titles at the Midwest Open 9 Ball Championship and the Chuck Markulis Memorial 9 Ball Championship. 2023 also saw his debut on the Mosconi Cup XXX team.
However, this young man is a hero both on and off the pool table.
According to the Roanoke Times, at the age of fifteen he received the Red Cross ‘Good Samaritan Hero Award’ for saving three lives when the boat he was riding in with his grandfather and a friend was run over by another boat in a nearby lake. Although the friend was killed instantly, Shane wrapped his grandfather’s arm - keeping him from bleeding to death. He then found the capsized boat in the dark and pulled the two passengers onto his boat, saving their lives.
With the unflinching support of his family in addition to his character and dedication to the game, Shane Wolford is well on his way to become America’s next great player!
By Mary Kenniston
A little less than twenty years ago, a young boy picked up a cue in a bar owned by his parents and the die was cast.
The boy was captivated by the sound of clicking balls and schooled by his father – a pretty good player in his own right – he rapidly improved and within a few short years became the best player in the area! At the age of eleven, he was entered into the Juniors Championship at the Super Billiards Expo - and won!
He went on to win five out of the next seven junior titles – still a record to this day - and was thrilled to be named to the Atlantic Challenge Cup team – a Mosconi Cup-like team for junior players. Experiencing his first coaching by professional players, he would play on the team for three years.
And, although he played on the football, baseball and basketball teams in school, pool was always number one in his heart.
Five years ago, his parents opened a billiards room in Roanoke, VA. Practicing every day and fine-tuning his knowledge and skills at The Wolf’s Den, the boy was becoming a force to be reckoned with.
He broke through in 2021 winning the Maryland Bar Table Nine Ball Championship and followed that by becoming the 2022 Music City Open champ. Last year was his best – so far – finishing high at both the Midwest Open’s and the Texas Open’s Banks divisions, Buffalo’s Pro One Pocket Championship and claiming titles at the Midwest Open 9 Ball Championship and the Chuck Markulis Memorial 9 Ball Championship. 2023 also saw his debut on the Mosconi Cup XXX team.
However, this young man is a hero both on and off the pool table.
According to the Roanoke Times, at the age of fifteen he received the Red Cross ‘Good Samaritan Hero Award’ for saving three lives when the boat he was riding in with his grandfather and a friend was run over by another boat in a nearby lake. Although the friend was killed instantly, Shane wrapped his grandfather’s arm - keeping him from bleeding to death. He then found the capsized boat in the dark and pulled the two passengers onto his boat, saving their lives.
With the unflinching support of his family in addition to his character and dedication to the game, Shane Wolford is well on his way to become America’s next great player!
