Nationals

[sarahrousey]

Hi everyone,

I just returned home from the WPBA Nationals in Lincoln City, OR. I must say that is a beautiful place to visit. It was our annual banquet and meeting at this tournament. Congrats to Jeannie Seaver for winning the Tournament Directors award and to Tracie Hines for winning the Rookie of the Year Award. They both definitely deserve those awards.

I felt pretty good going into this tournament. I have been traveling alot and playing alot. I really felt ready to play. My first match was against Susan Mello. I played fairly well against her and won 9-3. Next round I played Monica Webb. Not only did Monica play well, I played absolutely horrible. The only thing I did well was break...unfortunately it doesn't help to break well when you can't get out. So I lost, 9-2. Third round I played Tara McCracken. This match was a bad one. Neither of us played well. I got a little lucky, Tara made a great shot on the 7 and missed a shot on the 9 to make it 8-8. I won the match 9-7. I feel that I really got lucky to win that match. Fourth round I played Dawn Hopkins. I had a lead a few times and then lost it. Dawn made some great outs to take the lead 7-6. I came back to win 9-7. Due to Kim White's incredible play all week I had the task of playing Karen Corr at 11 am on Saturday...in the loser's bracket. Karen was on a rampage through the loser's bracket and ran me over in the process. She beat me 9-3.

I finished 17th again. The year is over and I have to say that I am kind of glad. I am disappointed with the way I played this year and I hope to do better next year. I know what I need to work on and need to work much harder. I have almost 3 months to get myself ready for the next tournament. I think I will be ready this time.

It was great to meet everyone. I had a great time hanging out with the APA players that were playing side by side with us at this tournament. You guys are a lot of fun.

Thank you everyone for your support this year.

Sarah

 

[AuntyDan]

Thanks for the report. I always find it interesting to hear how a tournament feels from the point of view of the players themselves. I'm sorry you did not get the result you wanted in this tournament, but I love your positive attitude and willingness to work hard on your game, and if you keep that up you are certain to keep going all the way to the top.

 

[Mike Templeton]

I finished 17th again. The year is over and I have to say that I am kind of glad. I am disappointed with the way I played this year and I hope to do better next year. I know what I need to work on and need to work much harder. I have almost 3 months to get myself ready for the next tournament. I think I will be ready this time.

Thank you everyone for your support this year.

Sarah

Sarah,

I think the main consideration when reflecting on a year is progress. I would suspect that you met or exceeded most of your goals for the year. You matured alot as a player, and as a person. I have know you now for nearly a year, and I would definitely say that your game has picked up since we met.

You are more of a force to be reckoned with now that early in the year. I think most WPBA players will admit to that. This means that you have progressed as a competitor. Make at least that much progress next year, and soon your game and status in the WPBA will be where you want.

Congratulations on your success this year. You are a great player and an even greater person. It was nice seeing you at the various events. I'm sure we will see each other again soon.

Mike

 

[Williebetmore]

I know what I need to work on .....
Thank you everyone for your support this year.

Sarah

Sarah,
I am probably just stating the obvious, but we should be thanking you for your participation in the forum; great updates and insights from the tournaments that we can experience only vicariously. Good luck next year (?hopefully DCC in January?).

I'm sure many of us "woodshed-a-holics" would be VERY interested in what areas of your game you will be polishing, and on how you intend to accomplish this. If you feel this is "top-secret" then please ignore this post.

 

[sarahrousey]

Sarah,

I think the main consideration when reflecting on a year is progress. I would suspect that you met or exceeded most of your goals for the year. You matured alot as a player, and as a person. I have know you now for nearly a year, and I would definitely say that your game has picked up since we met.

You are more of a force to be reckoned with now that early in the year. I think most WPBA players will admit to that. This means that you have progressed as a competitor. Make at least that much progress next year, and soon your game and status in the WPBA will be where you want.

Congratulations on your success this year. You are a great player and an even greater person. It was nice seeing you at the various events. I'm sure we will see each other again soon.

Mike

Mike,

Thanks alot. It has been fun hanging out with you throughout the past year. I think I ran into you about a million times all over the U.S. I agree that I have matured as a person and player, now I just need to work on putting everything together. I'm sure i will see you at a tournament soon. Maybe Memphis this weekend. You really never know when I will show up somewhere. Oh and by the way....you aren't so bad yourself!

Sarah,
I am probably just stating the obvious, but we should be thanking you for your participation in the forum; great updates and insights from the tournaments that we can experience only vicariously. Good luck next year (?hopefully DCC in January?).

I'm sure many of us "woodshed-a-holics" would be VERY interested in what areas of your game you will be polishing, and on how you intend to accomplish this. If you feel this is "top-secret" then please ignore this post.

Like I have said before, it is an honor to get a chance to do the forum. I believe this is my third year doing this and I look forward to many years to come. I am glad everyone enjoys the comments. I guess this post made it sound like I was done posting for the year or something. I didn't mean for it to sound like that. I was just putting my closing thoughts on the WPBA year. There are still many other tournaments to attend this year. And next year will start out with the greatest tournament of all, the DCC. I can't wait.

As for the parts of my game that I need to work on...it is no secret and I think many people have noticed what I need to work on. The main thing is confidence. I have always had confidence issues, whether they show or not and it is not only with pool. I need to be confident in myself and my skills. I need to start believing in myself and allowing myself to accomplish my goals. I am the only one holding myself back. The mental game is definitely something I need to work on. As for the physical aspect of the game, I need to work on defense, kicking, and shot selection. I also need to become more disciplined. I need to work hard all the time rather than part of the time. Wow....that sounds like a lot doesn't it. That is just my honest assessment of my game.

Sarah