Mark Wilson - A Visionary

pro9dg

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Cast your eyes over this revealing document and the read a testimonial from one of his students.
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Those who are not afraid of hard work, discipline, accountability, honor, integrity, and respect, while obtaining a great education are currently either members of the Lindenwood Lions Billiards Team or are invited to join.

The results over the last 20 months have been dramatic due to a complete team effort and amount of individual sacrifice on each player's account.

We must earn the attitude and sportsmanship award everyday, both in training and competition. This is the primary measure of success for creating a legitimate sport out of what is viewed as a game with little respect. We will not contribute nor condone any behaviors that reinforces that image... ever.

The above mentioned criteria forms the foundation of "the Lindenwood Way" for high performance billiards play. We then insist on maintaining a 3.0 grade point average. The final component of the team is presenting a good mental approach along with a superior physical stroke delivery technique. The entire team rises to the challenge, sacrifices and contributes.

We do not allow personality conflicts, we help each other on and off the table, the team members are friends and share much besides billiards. We have each other's back. That makes us a family and bonds us as a team. Through good and bad, wins and losses, struggles and victories, we remain a team.

I am so proud of my players, everyday watching them cheerfully doing what needs to be done. They are all so much improved as players and people. I am lucky to have them all, they are so rewarding for me on a personal level for what they do for my sport. I am glad to call each of them my son or daughter.

I also want to thank all of our supporters, those who attend matches or click "like" every time we post something, it means a great deal to all of us, sincerely. You are all a big part of the team and make the program so rewarding, thank you for willfully being part of the family.

I cannot wait until next semester to begin.

Mark Wilson
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This is an appreciation of his work and how it has benefitted one of his students
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I would personally like to thank and acknowledge my coach Mark Wilson for all that he has done for the Lindenwood Lions Billiards team. I've known Mark since I was 6 or 7 years old and I have always had the greatest admiration and respect for him, he is such a stand up guy. Like many of you know, he is a perfect representative of this game. He has made so many sacrifices for us, putting in a lot of miles every week just to improve our games. He worked continually to get us the best facility with the best equipment. If it wasn't for him, none of this would have been possible. We now stand at a 7-0 record looking to improve on it next semester. I have such an awesome team! Can't wait. Now on to finals week

Landon Shuffet.
 
Mark Wilson

The billiard industry needs more guys like Mark Wilson!

We are watching the beginning of something very special. Good luck to the players and congratulations to all those involved.

Mark Griffin
 
All -
This IMO, is our best bet for a great future in pool.

Mark Wilson
Mark Griffin

True ambassadors to the game, and they make us all look good.

My sincere thanks to both of them.

Best of rolls,

Ken
 
I can't say enough about Mark Wilson, but I would rather take a second and recognize his team and Lindenwood University. Mark students are changing the image of this game for the better. Their discipline and dedicated coupled with Marks guidance is making a difference. And none of that would be possible if not for the amazing support of Lindenwood University. My hats off to those players for all their hard work.

Chris Dryden
 
I vote to send Lindenwood to the Mosconi cup.

Win or lose, they'd make us very proud.

Keep up the excellent work Mark.
And, if you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to ask.
 
The billiard industry needs more guys like Mark Wilson!

We are watching the beginning of something very special. Good luck to the players and congratulations to all those involved.

Mark Griffin

Lets get the national events streamed or at least covered (maybe a "tape delay")... send in the minions Mark!

minions.jpg
 
I vote to send Lindenwood to the Mosconi cup.

Win or lose, they'd make us very proud.

Keep up the excellent work Mark.
And, if you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to ask.

Mr. Bond,

Is there any chance that you will be putting your broadcasts on itunes (podcast)? Or have you already done this and I just missed it? I would love to listen to your stuff while I am at work tuning out the world!

Chris
 
I vote to send Lindenwood to the Mosconi cup.

Win or lose, they'd make us very proud.

Keep up the excellent work Mark.
And, if you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to ask.

Now that could be fun. A US vs Europe 20 and under competition. We might actually be able to win one.
 
I am fortunate to have Mark's book. If I had a child, I'd feel very fortunate if they were able to be part of Mark's college program. The benefits to their life long personal and professional life will far outweigh what they gain as pool players.
 
The billiard industry needs more guys like Mark Wilson!

We are watching the beginning of something very special. Good luck to the players and congratulations to all those involved.

Mark Griffin


Mark Wilson's document could be condensed into a mission statement for pool. I too applaud what he's doing. :thumbup: I'm looking forward to seeing more impact from his efforts - it sounds like more is coming!
 
I've been fortunate to participate on an occasional basis with the Lindenwood team since its inception in 2012; and see their progress.

When the program started, most of the players had no clue about sportsmanship, etiquette, proper training, proper behavior, or proper (for Mark, read that as "orthodox") fundamentals. Not that they were bad, just had never been exposed to it.

When their travelling team visited Indy on their way to the Michigan tournament, what a big surprise I received. Though they eked out a very narrow victory over the "Betmore Breakers" B team (our A team WILL get revenge later this year), their sportsmanship and behavior were impeccable as far as I observed.

The change in their demeanor and bearing was impressive; and so focused and professional that it was hard to believe it was the same kids. No whining, no crying, no excuses; but FUN! A Lindenwood Lion would be ashamed NOT to call a foul on themselves if they committed one - no hiding behind a referee.

If a team like that represented the U.S. in a competition like the Mosconi Cup they would be winners WHATEVER the final score of the match. Very hard to see how the sport would not be better if we could train more kids to be like this (but make no mistake, the object is to become a killer on the table; but still behave as a great sportsman). Just my opinion.
 
I've been fortunate to participate on an occasional basis with the Lindenwood team since its inception in 2012; and see their progress.

When the program started, most of the players had no clue about sportsmanship, etiquette, proper training, proper behavior, or proper (for Mark, read that as "orthodox") fundamentals. Not that they were bad, just had never been exposed to it.

When their travelling team visited Indy on their way to the Michigan tournament, what a big surprise I received. Though they eked out a very narrow victory over the "Betmore Breakers" B team (our A team WILL get revenge later this year), their sportsmanship and behavior were impeccable as far as I observed.

The change in their demeanor and bearing was impressive; and so focused and professional that it was hard to believe it was the same kids. No whining, no crying, no excuses; but FUN! A Lindenwood Lion would be ashamed NOT to call a foul on themselves if they committed one - no hiding behind a referee.

If a team like that represented the U.S. in a competition like the Mosconi Cup they would be winners WHATEVER the final score of the match. Very hard to see how the sport would not be better if we could train more kids to be like this (but make no mistake, the object is to become a killer on the table; but still behave as a great sportsman). Just my opinion.


Nice report. This seems like the very thing Mark is after with his team. Changing pool via leading by example. When their piers see how they act and their success they will want to emulate them.
 
Mark Wilson is a good friend whose company I've often enjoyed and, I assure you, he's every bit as impressive in person as he is by reputation. He is, without question, one of the most consistently positive people I've met in the pool industry.

JAM recently started a thread about Mark's work which was both illuminating and inspiring, and it was one of the most positive threads I've read on this forum in a while.

Mark Wilson's work is rightly celebrated. I just hope that his efforts at Lindenwood in Missouri get the national publicity they deserve. Industry members ought to understand that the Lindenwood team can change the image of the poolplayer in America and do what it takes to publicize these efforts.

As many have observed, Mark would be a perfect choice for Team USA Mosconi coach, but, seriously, could the choice be more obvious?
 
People have said that the Americans lack the skill to compete with Europe, when really it's the lack of professionalism, respect, dedication and teamwork. That is what Mark is trying to bring back into the game, and the way these kids are turning out, the future looks bright!
 
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