Last year I was scheduled to play in the qualifier that was supposed to be held here in New Orleans at the Corner Pocket pool room but hurricane Katrina had a say in the scheduling so it was moved to Shreveport, LA. My home was flooded and I lost my business. Not knowing what the future had in store for me and my family, I took a temporary job as an insurance adjuster working for State Farm in Louisiana for the purposes of settling insurance claims from Katrina losses and passed through Shreveport, LA/Bill Shick's pool hall on the way to Dallas for additional adjuster flood training. The U.S. Amateur qualifier was going on and I watched for about 45 minutes and had to continue on my journey to Dallas. I saw lots of good pool played and MANY determined competitors there, Scott Pardo in particular, who is a formidable player, placing high each year in the U.S. Amateur event. I have always wanted to play and play well in this tournament because it is where I feel I belong. Having a full time job for the last 40 years and playing pool as a hobby, naturally makes me an amateur; that coupled with my amateur play.
I don't want anyone to take this the wrong way. I am not being egotistical because it is part of my preparation for this event when I say that I will play my best pool at the qualifier to be held in Shreveport, LA on September 23-24 and expect to play even better in Atlanta on November 3-5.
I expect to be healthy, in shape and win every match and I expect to make every makeable ball.....................There, I have said it. Now, there is no other option for me except to play my best pool. Excuses for poor play or bad luck will not be acceptable. My bridges are burned and I can turn back no longer. Now I have to start my fitness program. Uggh.
I hope I did not offend anyone with this bold post. It was not my intention. Best of luck to everyone participating in this event. Hope to see you in the finals.
Warmest Regards,
JoeyA
