Landon Shuffett - Please Play Pool

watchez

What time is it?
Silver Member
I saw on Facebook where Landon posted he loved the pic of his team at the Ballpark Village event and where his team from Lindenwood won the free trip to watch the 2017 Mosconi Cup.....by beating a team of basically 5 pros out of Memphis High Pockets. And to those of you that want to 'fix' the US team by adding Canada, note that Jason Klatt was on that team.

From what I see, Landon doesn't generally post much about pool.

But I've seen him play and his talent level is obviously super high. People talk about Thorpe or Josh to make a push for next year's Mosconi Cup. To me, the answer is Landon Shuffett. Someone inspire this young man to fit pool into his life enough to make it happen.

2017 Mosconi Cup team - Bergman, Sky, Oscar, Landon and then see who else really wants to play with them. If it is SVB or not, so be it.

Oh and Landon, not that you need me to tell you this, after college get a real job too. Pool in the US sucks, I am sure you know this. Just make it a hobby enough for us fans to watch the US win some more Mosconi Cups.
 

pocketsplitter

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I saw on Facebook where Landon posted he loved the pic of his team at the Ballpark Village event and where his team from Lindenwood won the free trip to watch the 2017 Mosconi Cup.....by beating a team of basically 5 pros out of Memphis High Pockets. And to those of you that want to 'fix' the US team by adding Canada, note that Jason Klatt was on that team.

From what I see, Landon doesn't generally post much about pool.

But I've seen him play and his talent level is obviously super high. People talk about Thorpe or Josh to make a push for next year's Mosconi Cup. To me, the answer is Landon Shuffett. Someone inspire this young man to fit pool into his life enough to make it happen.

2017 Mosconi Cup team - Bergman, Sky, Oscar, Landon and then see who else really wants to play with them. If it is SVB or not, so be it.

Oh and Landon, not that you need me to tell you this, after college get a real job too. Pool in the US sucks, I am sure you know this. Just make it a hobby enough for us fans to watch the US win some more Mosconi Cups.

I don't know Landon, but I don't think it's a good idea to convince him to drag pool into his life. Pool is a hard hard hard life, unless it is a hobby. To get to the MC, pool cannot just be a hobby (no player on either team has another day job). If pool has not organically seized his heart soul and mind, its better of to pursue another career. Those unfortunate enough to try and make a living off pool only do so because they've been stricken by the pool disease. If Landon is meant for big stage pool he won't need outside inspiration. Like Strickland said, the second he hit his first shot he was done, all he could think dream and eat was pool. Unless its like that, my advise is go have an easier life pursuing some other path. Honestly, even if one has been bitten by the pool bug it may be smarter to keep it subdued as a hobby (like me). All I can think about is pool constantly and waiting around for the 2 days a week I get to spend time on a table (and two big pros I often run into are amazed at how fast I pick things up and master) but I still refuse to pursue it as a career because I know how tough it is and that only the top 5% can survive on it.
 

Landon Shuffett

Registered
I'm really not even sure where to begin. Yes, it is true that while at Lindenwood I have played less than I have in recent years and many would say my involvement has been rather low (I guess I couldn't argue with that). The reason for playing less has purely been because of other obligations and involvements such as church, homework and class, and other hobbies. But I have loved every second of my training at Lindenwood and have tried my best to at least stay in stroke and play well in all of my competitions.

Decisions at this time about which path I want to take with my life is rather difficult. I would love to play all of the big tournaments in the U.S. and around the world and perhaps even qualify for the Mosconi Cup...but, as you all have said, it does take full commitment and everything else must take a back seat. As of right now I'm looking at a teaching certification from Lindenwood that would give me a stable income, marriage within the next year or two, as well as duties within my ministry here around the St. Charles, MO, area. To choose to train and make the Cup would mean that I have to give probably all of that up.

At this point I'm trying to soak up my last year and a half here at Lindenwood while continuing to play and train with the team and learn all that I can from Mark. Even if I don't decide to fully devote my life to the game, I know that there will be many opportunities for me to play larger tournaments like the U.S. Open and the Derby City Classic (whatever my boss would allow me to do). And who knows, I might even get lucky enough to maintain my teaching job and train hard on the side and still make the Cup...but that's just me dreaming. Prayer and advice from wise people I have in my life is where I will go from here.

However, thank you all for the support, kindness, and compliments! It's nice to know that there are still people out there that enjoy watching me play and wanna see more of me! I will never not play the game...it's such a huge part of my life and I could never give it up. I hope this will clear up any confusion as to where I am with the game at this point. If you all have any more questions I'll be glad to answer them!

Landon
 
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Spimp13

O8 Specialist
Silver Member
Great post Landon. You sound like you have a good head on your shoulders with your goals and priorities in life. Best of luck to you.

Matt
 

BeiberLvr

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Landon, you could treat pool as a hobby and still play good enough to beat anyone.

I agree with others that I'd like to see you play as many big events as possible, but if it's not possible at this time that's understandable.

Good luck
 

Kris_b1104

House Pro in my own home.
Silver Member
You are a good man Landon.

I frequently watch your win against Earl on the 10-footer whenever I need to see a good spanking.

Love your game and hope to see you in the Cup one day.
 

watchez

What time is it?
Silver Member
Great post Landon. You sound like you have a good head on your shoulders with your goals and priorities in life. Best of luck to you.

Matt

I don't know Landon personally, have never said anything more than hello to him. But I know some of his Lindenwood teammates and his Lindenwood coach and they ALL say he is a pleasure to have on the team. He is certainly a role model that could inspire the youth of our country to get involved in pool to make it greater here in the US. Even if they don't grow up to be a champion like him, it wouldn't be such a bad thing to have some more people of character like he has around the sport.

And Landon, glad to hear that you understand that is takes more than 30 minutes a day of practice to compete as a Mosconi Cup player. Too bad some of the pros that have campaigned to be on the MC team don't get that. Beyond that, even if you don't compete enough to get the silly MC points to be on the team, there are still two captain picks and if you are playing in some events and doing well, I don't think you should be overlooked. That's all I'm saying....cause I hadn't seen your name being brought up elsewhere and didn't want the US pool world to forget about you.
 

jalapus logan

be all. and supports it to
Silver Member
Hey there Landon. You come from a good family. Your dad taught me at his home some years ago. I've got two words for you: Steve Mizerak. Top flight pro player AND professional teacher. Teaching is a noble, stable and much needed profession. Its possible to do both well, especially given your pool upbringing.

I'm not in the advice giving business, but I will offer food for thought. My wife is a teacher and I am in finance and we really enjoy our life, one element of which is pool. Having diverse experiences is fulfilling in a way that can not be expressed in words. I wouldn't trade this arrangement for the ability to be a world pool champ, period.

It's all up to you, but just make sure that you enjoy whatever road or roads you travel.

Best,

JL
 

JAM

I am the storm
Silver Member
I'm really not even sure where to begin. Yes, it is true that while at Lindenwood I have played less than I have in recent years and many would say my involvement has been rather low (I guess I couldn't argue with that). The reason for playing less has purely been because of other obligations and involvements such as church, homework and class, and other hobbies. But I have loved every second of my training at Lindenwood and have tried my best to at least stay in stroke and play well in all of my competitions.

Decisions at this time about which path I want to take with my life is rather difficult. I would love to play all of the big tournaments in the U.S. and around the world and perhaps even qualify for the Mosconi Cup...but, as you all have said, it does take full commitment and everything else must take a back seat. As of right now I'm looking at a teaching certification from Lindenwood that would give me a stable income, marriage within the next year or two, as well as duties within my ministry here around the St. Charles, MO, area. To choose to train and make the Cup would mean that I have to give probably all of that up.

At this point I'm trying to soak up my last year and a half here at Lindenwood while continuing to play and train with the team and learn all that I can from Mark. Even if I don't decide to fully devote my life to the game, I know that there will be many opportunities for me to play larger tournaments like the U.S. Open and the Derby City Classic (whatever my boss would allow me to do). And who knows, I might even get lucky enough to maintain my teaching job and train hard on the side and still make the Cup...but that's just me dreaming. Prayer and advice from wise people I have in my life is where I will go from here.

However, thank you all for the support, kindness, and compliments! It's nice to know that there are still people out there that enjoy watching me play and wanna see more of me! I will never not play the game...it's such a huge part of my life and I could never give it up. I hope this will clear up any confusion as to where I am with the game at this point. If you all have any more questions I'll be glad to answer them!

Landon

What a great post! Landon, you're doing the right thing by getting your education. I admire that about you. You also come from good roots, a supportive and loving family, and that is worth a lot more than money.

American pool could use someone of your caliber at this time. You're the whole package: talent, common sense, and clear-headed.

Just don't lose your stroke. When we least expect it, Landon may be back on the table again. How cool would that be! :cool:
 

Kris_b1104

House Pro in my own home.
Silver Member
But when the world needed him the most, he vanished.

You are the Luke Skywalker we have been looking for, the last hope for America. Please return to fend off the Sith army known as Europe.
 

Dave-Kat

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Excellent honest reply Landon. After reading your post I understand you know 'He' has a plan for all of us in life.

Good luck with all of your Life endeavors,

-Kat,
 

Island Drive

Otto/Dads College Roommate/Cleveland Browns
Silver Member
What you'll find, when your plan comes together, you often play allot better, because you don't have too, all the time, just ta make ends meet. Good luck, it's a fun journey and I wish you well.
 

jay helfert

Shoot Pool, not people
Gold Member
Silver Member
I'm really not even sure where to begin. Yes, it is true that while at Lindenwood I have played less than I have in recent years and many would say my involvement has been rather low (I guess I couldn't argue with that). The reason for playing less has purely been because of other obligations and involvements such as church, homework and class, and other hobbies. But I have loved every second of my training at Lindenwood and have tried my best to at least stay in stroke and play well in all of my competitions.

Decisions at this time about which path I want to take with my life is rather difficult. I would love to play all of the big tournaments in the U.S. and around the world and perhaps even qualify for the Mosconi Cup...but, as you all have said, it does take full commitment and everything else must take a back seat. As of right now I'm looking at a teaching certification from Lindenwood that would give me a stable income, marriage within the next year or two, as well as duties within my ministry here around the St. Charles, MO, area. To choose to train and make the Cup would mean that I have to give probably all of that up.

At this point I'm trying to soak up my last year and a half here at Lindenwood while continuing to play and train with the team and learn all that I can from Mark. Even if I don't decide to fully devote my life to the game, I know that there will be many opportunities for me to play larger tournaments like the U.S. Open and the Derby City Classic (whatever my boss would allow me to do). And who knows, I might even get lucky enough to maintain my teaching job and train hard on the side and still make the Cup...but that's just me dreaming. Prayer and advice from wise people I have in my life is where I will go from here.

However, thank you all for the support, kindness, and compliments! It's nice to know that there are still people out there that enjoy watching me play and wanna see more of me! I will never not play the game...it's such a huge part of my life and I could never give it up. I hope this will clear up any confusion as to where I am with the game at this point. If you all have any more questions I'll be glad to answer them!

Landon

Stay the course Landon. You've got your head on straight. Pool is a wonderful game and I've played all my life. But I found out early on how tough it was to make a living playing this game, and took a left turn into owning poolrooms and sports bars. I was able to stay involved with the game and make a decent living at the same time. There are many career paths you can chose that don't necessarily mean stepping away from the game. But you know that already!
 

Landon Shuffett

Registered
Thank you all for the kind words! It means a lot. Don't worry, you all haven't seen the last of me!

Also, even though I am not a huge Star Wars fan, comparing Europe to the Sith is pretty hilarious. Lol.

Landon
 

watchez

What time is it?
Silver Member
My point too is that the announcers and some others have been making a point that pool is an individual game in the US. Well, Landon has been on the Lindenwood TEAM now for 4 years I believe. Shouldn't we take advantage of that? His team wins everything, every year. Oh and individually, Landon wins a bunch when he competes as well. In case someone didn't know about his history, you can see it here -----> http://www.justcueit.com/landon.html

Landon - do you have a nickname? Most pool nicknames these days are silly as it's not like you are gonna be walking down a hallway, see Jason Shaw, and say "hey what's up Eagle Eye?" But anyways, if you come back to any type of seriously competing in pool, bring the US back to victory in the Mosconi Cup, I deem you 'The Phoenix'.

All the best and I hope to run into you in the St Charles area soon.
 

dardusm

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Excellent post Landon. Another option that might be interesting, is to take a year off after you finish school. You are already a great player and year to play in all the big events including taking a shot at making the Mosconi Cup roster might be a good choice. With your background, networks and character, I'm sure that you could find plenty of sponsorship to help subsidize the year of playing. After the year, start the rest of your life teaching, getting married, ministry, etc. You are only young once.
 

Jack Justis

CASEMAKER
Silver Member
Landon Shuffett

Thinking back of the cases I made for many top players and world champions there is only one name that comes to mind as my favorite of all times and that would be non other than Landon Shuffett. Landon was the only one ever to take time to sit down and tell me in his own words how he liked the cases I made for him. I cherish this letter from Landon more than anything else in my career because it came from his heart.

Stan and Connie, you both did a fine job.
LANDON.jpg

LETTER.jpg
 

jay helfert

Shoot Pool, not people
Gold Member
Silver Member
Thinking back of the cases I made for many top players and world champions there is only one name that comes to mind as my favorite of all times and that would be non other than Landon Shuffett. Landon was the only one ever to take time to sit down and tell me in his own words how he liked the cases I made for him. I cherish this letter from Landon more than anything else in my career because it came from his heart.

Stan and Connie, you both did a fine job.
View attachment 443263

View attachment 443264

And that's what kind of man he is. Pretty good parenting on display here!
 
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