Influence
Growing up in the burbs of Chicago. EVERY town had a pool room or a bowling alley with a pool room. Mosconi/Fats were on TV. There was just so much exposure of the game in every way....and the collegiate 14.1 national event was special, look at the past champions from that era of straight pool. This demographic of the pocket billiards/social times after WWII was on it's last legs.......................computers were being borne'.
1969-70 Varner, 73-74 Dan Louie, 75 Jewett. Varner was taught by the depression era players (mosconi), never drank much and never did drugs.
Then I don't know the year, but 14.1 was no longer played in the Collegiate event.
Don't know who taught Dan Louie had to be someone, he could play....but his great strength was his great attitude.
Was around S. Ill. Janscos during those collegiate years, and got to see Varner hook up with Hubert Cokes, and Huebert could play some one pocket.
Nicky and I also, played at IU in 1969. in the bowling alley, on GC I's or II's, red cloth and NO lights over the tables, just the high ceiling fluorescent ones.