About that 3rd grader who "qualified" for Reno

StevenPWaldon

StevenPWaldon

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
A few things the SI.com article doesn't mention, or gets wrong:

-It's not a pro tournament
-It's handicapped, and Jontel Baritua's speed is a 20. According to the USPPA site, that's below a "D" player.
-To qualify for Reno, all you have to do is play in 14 tournaments in the past 6 months, win or lose. I don't know how according to the article he "beat out" 10 adult counterparts for a spot in Reno unless he pulled a Tonya Harding.

Not to knock the kid, though. I just think a whole lot of nothing is being talked about.
 
That solves the mystery

StevenPWaldon said:
A few things the SI.com article doesn't mention, or gets wrong:

-It's not a pro tournament
-It's handicapped, and Jontel Baritua's speed is a 20. According to the USPPA site, that's below a "D" player.
-To qualify for Reno, all you have to do is play in 14 tournaments in the past 6 months, win or lose. I don't know how according to the article he "beat out" 10 adult counterparts for a spot in Reno unless he pulled a Tonya Harding.

Not to knock the kid, though. I just think a whole lot of nothing is being talked about.
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I just caught the end of Pardon The Interuption on ESPN and I heard it mentioned about a 9 year old playing in a pro tournament. Didn't know what they were talking about, and I think the question was do you think its right?
Well you are right, not a pro tournament although pros play in it. But youngsters have always played in the actual pro open that follows the usppa tournament. No big deal but the article sure was phonied up. Now Austin Murphy is playing in the ipt next month, now that is a bigger story, as he is only 11 but I doubt if he will do too well.
 
This pissed me off

The following quote is what pissed me off. Why make such a commment..

"He is the epitome of good sportsmanship," Whiting says. "He shakes hands and always says, 'good shot,' whereas some of the adults throw down their cues and run out huffing and puffing."
 
nfty9er said:
Now Austin Murphy is playing in the ipt next month, now that is a bigger story, as he is only 11 but I doubt if he will do too well.
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I played with Austin today and met his dad, a nice bloke as us aussies say, who pops into AZ on occassion.

The reality TV guy Mike came over and did some recording and interviewing with Austin and the few of us around. I'm sure as soon as Austin wins a match, or even before that they'll get a story on him.

He shoots good and seems to have a pretty cool head on his shoulders as youngster's often do.
 
But he is a typical 11 year old

Colin Colenso said:
I played with Austin today and met his dad, a nice bloke as us aussies say, who pops into AZ on occassion.

The reality TV guy Mike came over and did some recording and interviewing with Austin and the few of us around. I'm sure as soon as Austin wins a match, or even before that they'll get a story on him.

He shoots good and seems to have a pretty cool head on his shoulders as youngster's often do.
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Yes he does shoot good but he can get emotional but thats o.k.. he will grow out of it. I drew him in a one pocket tournament a couple of months ago, a game he is just learning and when he was beat pretty soundly he did have a tantrum but he is a good kid. I don't know if it is known out there but he has a brother that plays too but unfortunately he is wheel chair bound and it is difficult for him but he has a lot of heart and he is a tremoundous young man who I enjoy talking to. He and his family have come to my room several times over the years although they are a long way from me and played. Great contributors to the sport. I wish Austin the best next month.
 
pete lafond said:
The following quote is what pissed me off. Why make such a commment..

"He is the epitome of good sportsmanship," Whiting says. "He shakes hands and always says, 'good shot,' whereas some of the adults throw down their cues and run out huffing and puffing."
Click to expand...

What article are you guys talking about? Can you post it up, or post a link?
 
Check 2 page

LastTwo said:
What article are you guys talking about? Can you post it up, or post a link?
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On second page of these threads, a thread by henho with link and article.
 
nfty9er said:
Yes he does shoot good but he can get emotional but thats o.k.. he will grow out of it. I drew him in a one pocket tournament a couple of months ago, a game he is just learning and when he was beat pretty soundly he did have a tantrum but he is a good kid. I don't know if it is known out there but he has a brother that plays too but unfortunately he is wheel chair bound and it is difficult for him but he has a lot of heart and he is a tremoundous young man who I enjoy talking to. He and his family have come to my room several times over the years although they are a long way from me and played. Great contributors to the sport. I wish Austin the best next month.
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You wouldn't happen to know a way I could reach this brother would you? Would like to meet him perhaps or exchange a few emails and see if my bridge design would help him.

Thanks,
Shorty
 
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