"Hi Sarah!!! Wassup?!!!"

sarahrousey said:
Yes, Mark Wilson. I definitely have to say that if you are considering lessons, he is the one to go to. I am fortunate enough to work with him every day. You can't find a nicer person and better teacher.

Sarah
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Sarah,
Are you sure we're talking about the same MW :) :) ??

The Mark Wilson I know completely denies helping anyone - I have yet to hear him take credit for any of the improvement or accomplishments of his many (and some quite prominent) students. My local professional friend just raves about him and how much he has helped; I think Mark's comment was, "Oh, I don't think I did very much." Trying to get him to accept a compliment or acknowledge his role in his student's improvement is like pulling teeth. He's a very humble man.

I was watching mini-Crusher pocket long straight shot after long straight shot in Peoria. I asked his dad how long he had been playing. He replied that the mini-Crusher had been playing only a few months, and that Mark was totally responsible for his interest and rapid development in pool. Mark totally denied it. I can't wait to get back to St. Louis. Good luck in the next tournament.
 
Sarah,
Oops, I was too busy at work to complete the above post. I forgot to mention that there is a great inconsistency in your post. While Mark was extremely complimentary to your very professional demeanor, and discussed at length how much he admired your interaction with the patrons at the Bullpen; he did not in any way mention that he worked with you. For all I know you could be giving him lessons. You guys need to get your stories straight. :) :)
 
It would be impossible to overstate the committment that Mark has to providing a top flight experience for serious players, and the committment that he has to developing proper skills and etiquette in the newer players. Anyone misbehaving or abusing the equipment will be asked to leave.
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Williebetmore,
Thank you for the link to that thread. I would really love to have somewhere like this to go to & If I had the (extra) time to drive the 65 hour and 42 min trip to the billiards bullpen(3836 miles according to map quest :( ) I would be there...
Someday in the hopefully not too distant future, I'll be able to justify the time and $ to pay for some much needed instruction :)

sodapopd
 
sodapopd said:
Williebetmore,
Thank you for the link to that thread. I would really love to have somewhere like this to go to & If I had the (extra) time to drive the 65 hour and 42 min trip to the billiards bullpen(3836 miles according to map quest :( ) I would be there...
Someday in the hopefully not too distant future, I'll be able to justify the time and $ to pay for some much needed instruction :)

sodapopd
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Sodapop-man,
Well if it's too expensive to drive given current gas prices; you could always walk or hitchhike. At an average of 3 mph, with 8 hours of sleep it would only take you about 80 days - depending on your level of enthusiasm I would say you would probably think it is WELL WORTH IT to spend a weekend with Mark.
 
Williebetmore...You busted me. I forgot....I really don't have an instructor, merely a practice partner that happens to know alot about the game. Did I forget to mention the word, Humble, in that description?

If I had the (extra) time to drive the 65 hour and 42 min trip to the billiards bullpen(3836 miles according to map quest ) I would be there...
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Where do you live??

depending on your level of enthusiasm I would say you would probably think it is WELL WORTH IT to spend a weekend with Mark.
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There is also this girl that plays pretty good there that the trip is totally worth as well. :) just kidding. Honestly, people come from all over the world to visit Mark. It is really pretty cool that he has helped so many people. Whether he admits to it or not.

Sarah
 
Well soda, I don't recommend the hitch hiking considering the time of year. Maybe if you get moving right now it won't be so cold.

Do you get to play Aileen Pippen at all? She is a good player. I met a whole group from Alaska at the Derby City Classic this year.

Sarah
 
soda....You do live there, I guess you can dress accordingly and get a move on.

I thought I met and talked to everyone in the group from Alaska. I guess I was wrong. Hopefully you didn't watch my first match in Vegas. Seems as though everyone saw that one and realized that I can't even spell Pool! Maybe I will meet you this year in Louisville.

Sarah
 
I understand about needing to work on all games. I definitely need to work on all games. But I am just happy to get a chance to play in the tournaments this year.

You are right, I got a bye first round. It was second round that was so horrible. Are you sure I don't know you? I talked to two of the Alaskans in Vegas sometime around that match if I recall....I could be wrong though.

Sarah
 
sodapopd said:
Sarah,

I'm sure that we have not met, I did say hello to you in passing,(vegas/crowded smoke filled hall)but of course I don't expect you to remember all the people you see down there. :) Are you holding out on those fav. drills?

sodapopd
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My favorite drills. I absolutely hate drills. I think they are the ultimate torture for a pool player. Why do they have to be so beneficial? If I had to pick I would choose playing the ghost. It helps learning patterns and running out. For safety play, lately I have been playing a carom game. Just playing straight rail billiards pretty much, but on a pool table. It teaches you how the balls react. Otherwise, drills are torture and I need to start forcing myself to do them more often.

Sarah
 
sarahrousey said:
There is also this girl that plays pretty good there that the trip is totally worth as well. :)
Sarah
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Sarah,
OUCH!! My apologies for using your forum for the purpose of complimenting some guy. I was just typing on the fly during a momentary lull at work. It must have seemed quite discourteous on my part. This dang day job is completely interfering with my pool and internet lurking. So.....

WHAT I REALLY MEANT TO SAY WAS: It would be very worthwhile to walk from Alaska to St. Louis for lessons with Mark, BUT it would be VERY worthwhile to hop backwards on one foot the whole way for a game with Sarah (or even that girl that plays pretty good/well).
 
Williebetmore said:
Sarah,
OUCH!! My apologies for using your forum for the purpose of complimenting some guy. I was just typing on the fly during a momentary lull at work. It must have seemed quite discourteous on my part. This dang day job is completely interfering with my pool and internet lurking. So.....

WHAT I REALLY MEANT TO SAY WAS: It would be very worthwhile to walk from Alaska to St. Louis for lessons with Mark, BUT it would be VERY worthwhile to hop backwards on one foot the whole way for a game with Sarah (or even that girl that plays pretty good/well).
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Much better Williebetmore. Thank you for rephrasing. I can see how that job of yours can keep you too busy to speak the truth! Just kidding. The trip is definitely worth it to see Mark. You just get the added bonus of having a Junior champ, College champ and WPBA champ all in the building on any given day as well.

Sarah
 
sodapopd said:
I agree, drills are torture, was not always that way. Tough for me to practice what is necessary when there is action going on nearby.
The carom game sounds interesting. How would you describe it further? How many balls are being used? Thank you for your responses.

sodapopd
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Unfortunately, drills take a back seat when action is around. It happens to everyone....I think?

The carom game is pretty simple. You use two numbered balls and the cue ball. Start with the balls together anywhwere on the table and just start making caroms...hitting one ball and then making contact with the other. You can learn alot about how the balls react when they are close together and are hit softly. You learn about speed transfer. You don't have to hit a rail or anything. Hope that helped a little bit. I'm kind of bad at describing that kind of stuff.

Sarah
 
Sarah, you know.. Mark sat next to me for a little while when you were playing um...Friday night? I don't know, whatever night it was you made me get up to go watch you, even though I NEEDED TO EAT AND SLEEP. Ahem.

He saw the jacket I was sporting and designed, and made up some sort of handshake for me to do... he's crazy :D He may have even used my words, "rock on" for all I know...haha.

Btw, for anyone thinking if Sarah's met you that she doesn't remember you...let me tell you know, she has a very good memory, whether she says so or not. Not only will she remember you, but she'll remember what you say, and use it against you later in life...Or...wait...maybe that's just with ME. But she usually remembers faces anyway. :D

Sooooo good at complimenting me too, aren't you Sarah?! *cries and leaves the room*
:(

Dea
 
Hi Sarah!

Whoops.. er... the "CASH" is in the mail ;) If only the Pool Gods allowed Mark Wilson to be in CA when I was looking for help!!! :( Being a student of his would've shaved years off my learning process, and I would KNOW HOW to hit center ball most every time!!! I'll be sure to have a friend check my alignment...I just pray it won't be bad!!! :(

I wuz going to make a strong comment 'bout what Jay Helfert said, but I always try to give people the benefit of the doubt (maybe I misunderstood it), because I can't believe he would say "that"!!! :mad: Darn it!!! I have to say something: Ms. Sarah Rousey is currently in the top 25 (#22), a Touring Professional - making a living playing pool- and a "resident Pro" on this forum board. This means she knows how and can play much more than a little!!! I'd venture to say more than A LOT!!! If the opportunity ever presents itself please allow me the privilege to introduce you Tang and Dave, so YOU can have Them rack some balls for YAH'!!! Sorry... Not slighting Tang or Dave (totally :cool: guys) in the least, but I also know a WPBA Pro like Sarah would win her share of games too!!!! I've always respected Jay for his experience and wisdom but I'm a little confused AND miffed!!! :confused: O.K., I said it and I'm done! Please put it to rest guys!!!

Changin' gears... someone posted seeing Effren Reyes practice "billiards" before his match @ this last U.S. Open. I can see how this can help your safety play and - as you said - object ball speed. Buddy Hall said you have to be able to control "both" balls' speed or one or the other when playing safeties! I will defintely try your drill!!! :)

I listened to stories about the late great Irving Crane and how he practiced the L drill with all 15 balls... He would start off playing it normally, then do it using only draw, then start over again using draw from the 1st ball on the end rail but to every "other" ball until he got to the side rail, then make his way back from side rail to the end rail to complete drill!!! This is a fun, challenging and frustrating drill!!! Not boring IMO at all doing it normally, and a sight to see doing it only w/draw and then w/draw on every other ball. A huge crowd would gather 'round Irv when he did this and it was anything BUT boring. Please try it Sarah and let me know what yah' think! If you Master this you won't bore anybody!!!

Thx for gr8 advice Sarah!!! Keep it real!!! ;)

F8it!
 
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