Brian parks back to back and 3 times overall....WOW!!!

Congratulations Brian. Three wins with a repeat, wow!

These are the best run tournaments that I have ever played in. If you're on the fence about competing and love the game, please give it a try. Woody runs a great show at Mr. Cues every year. Come play in Atlanta.

Most of the players that are only money focused won't play. As a result, I haven't witnessed an argument or an act of severely bad sportsmanship like I have witnessed in many other competitions. It's funny how the people that play because they love the game show better sportsmanship.

Don't get me wrong, I love watching a good gamble. I have nothing against it. But, there's usually some baggage that comes with it.
 
So Jude...Since a lot of the BEST players weren't at the US Open 9ball this year, I suppose it's not a national title either? Sorry, but this tournament is just as much a national title as any other tournament where players from all over the country compete against one another.

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

I have never heard of the US Open winner referred to as the National Champion, no. People often say they're the "US Open Winner".
 
So Jude...Since a lot of the BEST players weren't at the US Open 9ball this year, I suppose it's not a national title either? Sorry, but this tournament is just as much a national title as any other tournament where players from all over the country compete against one another.

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

Let me be clear here. I'm not saying winning this tournament is easy. I'm not saying that the winner isn't the top amateur in the country. And, I'm not saying there aren't representatives from around the country. What I am saying is, the 128 that qualified, were not always tops from their region. I'm saying that most top amateurs I know didn't bother playing at all. By "most", I mean, of the hundreds of league players I compete against who consist of some of the very best professional players in the country AND amateur BCA champions, maybe one or two showed-up to play in the US Amateur qualifier.
 
I don't care who was in the tourney...

Let me be clear here. I'm not saying winning this tournament is easy. I'm not saying that the winner isn't the top amateur in the country. And, I'm not saying there aren't representatives from around the country. What I am saying is, the 128 that qualified, were not always tops from their region. I'm saying that most top amateurs I know didn't bother playing at all. By "most", I mean, of the hundreds of league players I compete against who consist of some of the very best professional players in the country AND amateur BCA champions, maybe one or two showed-up to play in the US Amateur qualifier.

It doesn't matter who was or wasn't in the tourney.

Brian is capable of beating anyone. Brian's a great player and a good guy to boot. He's the kind of player that gives pool a good name. I wish there were many pro's out there that were more like him, then we might not be losing tourneys left and right.

Jaden
 
I do want to make one teensy weensy observation.

When you have a video on the internet where you state that you double dipped Parica to win a tournament....

I dunno... Mebbe it's time for you to seek tougher competition than that found in the US Amateur Championship???

I am not saying he is not officially "qualified" to play in the event... But at a certain point, doesn't a self-motivated guy say to himself, "It might be time to leave this tournament alone, as I am really only beating 1 or 2 guys anywhere close to my speed in the event.

And that is really what ti comes to.. Even if there are 10-12 really good players witht he brackets and players eliminating each other, how many of the players that Brian played have any chance whatsoever to beat him, even in a short race?

Russ
 
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It doesn't matter who was or wasn't in the tourney.

Brian is capable of beating anyone. Brian's a great player and a good guy to boot. He's the kind of player that gives pool a good name. I wish there were many pro's out there that were more like him, then we might not be losing tourneys left and right.

Jaden

This has nothing to do with Brian as a person or a player. The fact that someone deserving won is great but not my point.
 
Yeah. First off - congrats Brian!

No offense though, I think it should be treated just as Valley Forge/Expo is...if you win the amateur, you can't really go back and play in it again.

3 times in the less than 20 year history is pretty big...move on to more challenging things, you're not really an amateur anymore.
 
Yeah. First off - congrats Brian!

No offense though, I think it should be treated just as Valley Forge/Expo is...if you win the amateur, you can't really go back and play in it again.

3 times in the less than 20 year history is pretty big...move on to more challenging things, you're not really an amateur anymore.

This is an interesting point. Where is the line drawn between Professional and Amateur? Brian's current status fits the definition of "Amateur", as defined by the governing body of the tournament (APA).

"32. NO PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS ALLOWED
This League is intended for amateurs, and the APA reserves the
right to reject or cancel the memberships of those individuals whom
the APA deems to be professionals. The APA has a variety of criteria for determining professional or amateur status. They include a touring
(tournament) membership in any men’s or women’s professional billiards
organization, winning tour points from any of those organizations, being a
nationally known money player (a judgment call), or otherwise being recognized
as a billiards professional, billiards celebrity or entertainer (noted performers of
exhibitions, retired professionals, etc.). The APA reserves the right to rule on
the amateur/professional status of any member, and we may consider all, some,
or none of the above criteria. Just remember, if you enter a professional event,
perform exhibitions, or otherwise behave as a professional, you risk your amateur
standing in our association.
Locally, the League Operator and/or the Board of Governors has the option of
disallowing participation by an individual who has consistently demonstrated
professional characteristics. An individual who is a known money player and is
perceived by the League Operator/Board of Governors to make a substantial
portion of his living playing pool, rather than having other employment
, could
fall into this category. An individual who gives exhibitions or lessons for money
may fall into this category. A highly skilled individual who is employed as a
manager/assistant manager of a billiard room may be categorized as a house pro
and could be ineligible for amateur play. The APA does not wish League
Operators/Boards of Governors to disallow participation based strictly on ability.
There are many skilled amateurs and they are welcome to play in the League.
"

For what it's worth, I feel that if you cash in a "Professional Tournament" (which Brian has on multiple occasions for several years) you are a professional level player. Making a lion's share of your income from pool should not be the differentiating factor. I've never personally met Brian or seen him play, but if you are skilled enough to consistently cash in events where Professionals are participating, I think those players are closer to your peers than Amateurs.
 
It doesn't matter who was or wasn't in the tourney.

Brian is capable of beating anyone. Brian's a great player and a good guy to boot. He's the kind of player that gives pool a good name. I wish there were many pro's out there that were more like him, then we might not be losing tourneys left and right.

Jaden

Well said Jaden. I agree 100%!

KMRUNOUT
 
When the haters started crawling out of the dog shit to bash your accomplishments, you know you're doing something right.

Congrats Brian on your tournament victory. I hope your father is doing well. :)
 
I had the pleasure of meeting Brian at a national apa master's event. He is such a class act win or loss , which is rare these days. Just because he has cashed in events that pro's have competed in shouldn't change his status. He doesn't play pool for a living. He plays for the love of the game and his desire to be the best. I can't think of anyone that would represent us as amateur's better then Brian. Congratulation Brian on your third and back to back titles in the event. I'm looking forward in seeing and competing against you again. Win or lose it's always fun playing against such a classy act.
 
I've known Brian since the early 1990's and he is good people. I don't understand any of the negative comments regarding Brian. IF there are any negative comments to be made I feel that they should be directed to the APA. It's their tournament and they know Brian and all of his accomplishments.
 
Let me set the record straight regarding my post. I was in no way discrediting or bashing Brian's accomplishments. I'm simply curious as to where we draw the line between Amateur and Professional. I do not think the APA's definition of "Professional" fills the bill. There were only a couple dozen or so players in 2012 that won $20K or more and 10-15 of those who could actually live of their winnings. I don't think it is a cut and dry as the APA makes it out to be.
 
Congradulations Brian

I have met Brian and he is a good guy.

The APA has to do something about his status after winning three in a row, however.
Brian is getting better every year.
This means he will continue to win this prestigious tournament.

Fellow amateurs will refuse to attend knowing they do not have a chance at beating Brian,

I am sure that there are Pro's who don't enter the US Open 10 Ball when Shane, Orcullo, and Appleton show up.
Is this good or not for the Pro's?
If we want to limit the US Open to 16 players then is this the way it should go?

Once again, good shooting Brian
 
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