I posted this in another thread, but that thread seems to have split into two. So I thought I'd make this separate
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I've not yet commented on this year's Mosconi cup. Here, briefly, are my thoughts as well as my recommendation of Ozzy Reynolds--if he was willing to take it on-- for Captain.
choosing the team I think the USA did a fine job choosing a team, as did Europe.
the effort I think while Europe has an edge, the teams are not very far apart and thing could easily have gone the other way. This competition is a small amount of play, and large swings are expected.
Mark Wilson I like a lot about what Mark Wilson has done. He is a great example of some of the best our sport has to offer, and I am thankful for his hard work the last three years.
personalities I was at the crowded bar at midnight or so at the Tropicana last year after day-1 when European Captain Marcus walked up. Darren and one or two others from the European team were there engaged in animated conversation. Marcus gave a quiet nod to the players just giving the gentle "bed time"message. The conversations didn't even end. The players just excused themselves and left. I remember being impressed not just that he had that control, but that the relationship seemed comfortable and straightforward. That's hard to achieve with people who are accustomed to being asked for autographs...
this year's players I am proud of every one of them. And I thank them for putting their hearts into it and laying it on the line. There is no question in my mind that from a performance pressure perspective, the Mosconi Cup is the pinnacle.
this year's almost-made-the-team players I am proud of you as well. Thank you for your efforts. We got to sweat it all, and we are grateful for the drama and the sacrifices that might mirror our own small efforts in other areas of our lives--some of which work out and some of which don't. The world is a better place when any one of us can quote One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest: "But I tried, didn't I, God Dammit. At least I did that."
Ozzy Reynolds
--General Manager of CSI
--Billiards Congress of America Board Member
--Solid player (Fargo Rating 688)
--Management expertise: MBA from top university
I think Ozzy Reynolds is the point person for the future of pool in North America. There are very exciting things going on at CSI under his leadership. He is intelligent, level-headed, and well respected by top players.
His location in Las Vegas is a convenient one for group-building activity once the team is selected as well as for perhaps new and different events amongst the top contenders during the selection process.
I think Ozzy understands team efforts and is comfortable with collaboration under a quiet commanding presence.
__________________
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I've not yet commented on this year's Mosconi cup. Here, briefly, are my thoughts as well as my recommendation of Ozzy Reynolds--if he was willing to take it on-- for Captain.
choosing the team I think the USA did a fine job choosing a team, as did Europe.
the effort I think while Europe has an edge, the teams are not very far apart and thing could easily have gone the other way. This competition is a small amount of play, and large swings are expected.
Mark Wilson I like a lot about what Mark Wilson has done. He is a great example of some of the best our sport has to offer, and I am thankful for his hard work the last three years.
personalities I was at the crowded bar at midnight or so at the Tropicana last year after day-1 when European Captain Marcus walked up. Darren and one or two others from the European team were there engaged in animated conversation. Marcus gave a quiet nod to the players just giving the gentle "bed time"message. The conversations didn't even end. The players just excused themselves and left. I remember being impressed not just that he had that control, but that the relationship seemed comfortable and straightforward. That's hard to achieve with people who are accustomed to being asked for autographs...
this year's players I am proud of every one of them. And I thank them for putting their hearts into it and laying it on the line. There is no question in my mind that from a performance pressure perspective, the Mosconi Cup is the pinnacle.
this year's almost-made-the-team players I am proud of you as well. Thank you for your efforts. We got to sweat it all, and we are grateful for the drama and the sacrifices that might mirror our own small efforts in other areas of our lives--some of which work out and some of which don't. The world is a better place when any one of us can quote One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest: "But I tried, didn't I, God Dammit. At least I did that."
Ozzy Reynolds
--General Manager of CSI
--Billiards Congress of America Board Member
--Solid player (Fargo Rating 688)
--Management expertise: MBA from top university
I think Ozzy Reynolds is the point person for the future of pool in North America. There are very exciting things going on at CSI under his leadership. He is intelligent, level-headed, and well respected by top players.
His location in Las Vegas is a convenient one for group-building activity once the team is selected as well as for perhaps new and different events amongst the top contenders during the selection process.
I think Ozzy understands team efforts and is comfortable with collaboration under a quiet commanding presence.
__________________
