Sarah a Champion?

CvilleBilliards said:
The only thing that is WASHED up is the Thread!!!!!!!!

I couldn't agree more with that sentiment. Sarah is old enough to make her own decision and young enough to have time to take a chance. IMHO anybody who doesn't have a mult-million dollar signing bonus staring at them after their sophomore year should finish their college education, but Sarah made her decision based upon her desires and factors in here life we almost assuredly have no knowledge of. She owes none of us including, presumably well meaning, Jake an explanation.
We should all shut up and let this thread dry up and leave Sarah alone. As of the next period I type that is precisely what I'm going to do.
 
Well, things have not changed. Each post from you Jake gets more upsetting. It is becoming obvious that there is no changing your mind about things or that you just cannot read. I have stated that I play pool for the love of the game. The money is somewhat of an added bonus. But yet you still point out how there is no money and I will never make it.

You keep bringing up Helena and asking if she is able to make a living. That is her personal business. I'm not sure what she is given from her sponsors. My question to you...is she marketed the same way Allison and Jeanette are? You ask if Helena can make a living but while you ask you answer your own question. Jeanette is ranked below Helena and is living comfortably. That is what the power of marketting does. Have you done a study asking if people who claim to hate their job really love it? Society is screwed up if people have to lie about things like that to make people think they work too hard.

Perhaps I have already taken Yobagua's advice. You don't know where I live. You must be guessing that I live with my parents. I don't, I live on my own about 3 hours from my family. Why did I do that? Because I realize what is out there in the world away from the somewhat small town I grew up in. Yes, I am sure he is very talented in his field. There is no doubt about that. Yes, there was schooling and there is more reward. Who is saying that I am not talented? or that I will not make it?

I hate that you keep pointing out others who will be going to the top and you still put me down. You have never seen me hit one ball and you come to this conclusion. You point out Ga Young Kim. I agree that she will soon be in the top 5. You point out Kelly Fisher. She deserves respect she is a snooker world champion. but you know what, she still has to earn her spot on the tour just like everyone before her. Why do you not say something like, Sarah, you are a threat. I'm sorry you have never bothered to realize any of my accomplishments. I was ranked int he top 32 within my first 9 months on tour. I was ranked in the top 20 within a year. I have finished in the top 10 multiple times. You say give it a year. I think you started this thread not realizing how I started this year. I got 5th in the first tournament of the year. Is that not a good enough start for you?? This is my first year as a pro. I myself and many others will agree that I am holding my own quite well.

Do you not think that so many people striving for #1 is not part of the fun? If there was no competition why would everyone play? Do I think I am capable of beating the best? Yes. Have you looked at any of the people I have beat? Everyone that plays in these tournaments are human. They make mistakes, they get beat. And yes, I am confident that I can beat all of those players you listed. It is wrong for you to assume that I should just say that I cannot beat them. What kind of competitor would I be then? As far as the ulcers and what not you are mentioning. I don't take it that seriously. That goes into the category of not having fun. If you read the other posts that is when I stop playing.

You say that Karen and Allison can spot the other WPBA players. I agree. Would I try playing them, even or with the spot, yes I would. Am I confident spotting other players on the tour? Yes, I am.

The boyfriend part is just irrelevent. The fact that you think I need a boyfriend to be happy is ridiculous. You didn't ask how my boyfriend now, that has been there since this all started manages. I don't go places alone, I go to pro tournaments alone, but I am with friends there. I don't go away for weekends to pool rooms alone.

It is very nice of you to wish me luck after all of the wonderful things you have said.

Everyone else, thanks again for your support. Everyone has their opinion. Jake has spoken his and everyone else here has spoken theirs.

Sarah
 
Sarah one more thing. If I had a head on my shoulders like you do when I was 21 I would have saved myself from a lot of grief. I had to learn the hard way. You seem light years ahead with your well balanced and mature approach to your life. Go with confidence.

To Bazooka Joe. Dont ever give up! My significant other is 40 this year and went back to college and got her Masters at New York University. She is now entering into her Phd. phase. She started all this with a GED after dropping out of high school at an early age. Hell you only live once!
 
Thank you Yobagua.

I agree to never give up. Age is nothing but a number. Congrats to your significant other for daring to go against the norm. See Joe, you can do it too.

Sarah
 
Hey Sarah! I just wanted to fill you in on my tournaments ;) . Well, I got second place in a 14 and under PRACTICE JBCA quilter. Hopefully on the real one I can cut my mistakes down and get my legs to stop shacking lol. Maybe even go to Arizona to see how the top kids play. But I think in year 05 when I am 14 and in 14 and under group I should do pretty well. Well, ill tell you how it goes! Also, I am done replying on the thread so I dont say anything else. Thanks a lot and practice an extra 5mins for me :)
Stephen
 
WOW! I read the post that started this thread and it got ME upset. Imagine that... Anyway, I kept reading and decided that it didn't deserve a response, the first post that is. I came back on today and read all the other posts that DO deserve a response. Yobagua's and Sarah's posts to name a couple. I mention this because bad posts are like bad news stories, they are perpetuated by attention (remember that simpsons halloween episode where advertisements come to life?). Keep bumping this thread and more people will read and reply, a cycle that I'm keeping alive (sorry).

Well, let's get back on topic. I have to tell you, Sarah, how much I truly admire your ambition and dedication. I'm sure you already know you're doing the right thing, but if there's ever a doubt in your mind about the choices you've made, log on to these forums and read. This is the most supportive group of people I've seen, and I haven't been here long.

Here's a good quote by Bill Cosby: "I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody."

Plus that Robert Frost quote about taking the road less traveled is a good one, too =).

Take care of yourself and don't get ulcers cuz then you won't be able to eat chile, and what's life without chile?
 
Hey Dismalist! Do you mind if I steal the chile line? It is great and Id like to use it sometime.
 
Thank you again everyone. I am sorry that a post like this gets the most replies. I hope that everyone continues to start threads or reply to others on this board. Maybe threads that have a better topic or something that is beneficial rather than a rant. I enjoy having this forum as a way to meet fans and even more to help people. I don't mind criticism. If I do something that upsets you or is unprofessional, let me know. But I am here to help or relay information about tournaments, being a pro or anything you guys can think of.

dismalist, thank you for your response. Like I said, too bad you had to reply to something like this. I hope you continue to post here. You mentioned one of my favorite quotes by Bill Cosby. It is the truth. When I get down I do read this forum. Everyone's support means alot to me. I hope to not let anyone down. I like the chile quote too.

Stephen, thank you for keeping me updated. You will do fine in your tournament. Just remember that everyone gets nervous. I told you some ways to help that. If all else fails there is Pepto Bismal :)

Thank you all again.

Sarah
 
Ah Sarah,

Forget everything I said. I sure was not trying to put you down. And I congratulate you on your success. You certainly have great promise.

I am just a jaded cynical old man who got that way from 22 years of dealing with the dark side of Chicago.

It is not you that concerns me it is professional pool. The ratio of risk to reward is so great. Especially in men's pool.

I spent the last weekend in Spring Hill watching the Florida Men's Pro tour where some of the greats from past and present participated. Surprising how few fans they drew. Most of them are either other players, friends of the players, or backers of the players. The general public would rather play than watch them. As was evident by the other ten tables being in use.

Tommy Kennedy works his butt off with his SE tour putting tons of miles on his car and even he says nobody appreciates it. Earl Strickland plays his heart out, will talk with anyone, sign anything, and all he does is get criticized. The people just love to heckle him. Both have lost a lot of weight and appear to be very depressed. But then most of the other players seem to really enjoy their life. Cory is riding high with his sponsorship by the Seminole Tribe and is always a favorite in any tournament he enters, as is Rodney Morris. Buddy Hall is doing okay with his Limb Saver laugh.

I really believe that John DiToro and the Seminole Tribe might be just what is needed to revive professional pool for the men. They sure are trying, and John and his crew are really working hard. Many long hours. Hopefully, it will be appreciated.

Anyway, I have to go now, if I miss another appointment with my shrink she will really be pissed. Now where did I put my medication ...

Jake
 
sarahrousey said:
I am sorry that a post like this gets the most replies.

Sarah,

Sorry to pile on, but you deserve more encouragement.

I must say, your tactful replies dealing with this thread show a lot of wisdom and professionalism. I certainly respect that. Although I haven’t even seen you shoot, yet, your fan base has grown by one. And if nothing else, this whole thread may provide some incentive, a little extra push from a naysayer.

If you don’t follow your dreams, someone else will.

Rick
 
Don't Give up.....

Sarah,

Don't give up. That was well put. Will you be in vegas for BCA? Look forward to seeing you again.
 
Thanks again everyone.

hustlefinger, thank you for your kind words. I hope to not dissappoint you when you do get to see me play. Maybe you can make it to the WPBA tournament in your neck of the woods in September.

Stixnballs, I will definitely be in Vegas. Last year was my first year there and I wouldn't miss it from here on out :) See you there.

TwizteD, thank you. Glad to see you finally got registered here.

Jake, thank you for your concern. I understand you were just trying to point out facts, it was just done in the wrong manner. If Chicago is what has done it to you, I hope my time here in Chicago does not do the same :) When you make your assumptions just remember that the womens tour is in very many ways different than the mens tour, good and bad.

Thanks again and take care,
Sarah
 
Here are my thoughts

I was going to stay away from this post because Sarah is holding her own quite nicely and doesn't need her "big sis" to defend her....but I just can't bite my tongue any longer.

Jake, you have always been so supportive and kind with your posts, so I think we were all shocked when this negative post appeared. I immediately understood that you weren't trying to be disparaging...just more realistic. But, you should know that Sarah has already attained "star" status in the world of billiards. And that makes her happy. She just completed her first year on tour ranked #21....which is quite an accomplishment. And that makes her happy. She has made friends that support her and look out for her on tour. And that makes her happy. And anyone who has met Sarah knows that she is an extremely intelligent and mature woman who knows what makes her happy. I have no trouble believing that Sarah will quit the tour the moment she becomes unhappy....if that day even comes. But for now, she is truly enjoying conquering each new challenge set before her. Just once, you should see her play....not because of her skill, which is tremendous, but because of her joy. She was given an award for "Rookie of the Year" last year for 2 reasons. First, because she came on tour with quite a bang...beating Top 10 ranked players, and getting Top 10 finishes. But second, and more important in my mind, is that she reminded everyone what is means to love the game and the competition. She has such passion and fire...and it inspires us all.

As for the rest of you, I think it is wonderful that you support Sarah and gave her words of encouragement. But don't be so quick to jump on a person for speaking their mind. Jake was, in his own way, trying to be supportive of her as well.....just not in a manner that was needed by Sarah. Remember those famous words....."Can't we all just get along?"

Sarah, see you soon!

All the best to everyone,
Melissa
 
Hey Melissa,

Thanks, I couldn't have said it better. I consider myself very lucky to have a friend like you. Thank you for your kind words. You know that I have the utmost respect for you. And you can play pool a little too :) Just enough to blister me last time we played!

Thanks again. See you in your home state and hopefully in the finals :)

Sarah
 
sarahrousey said:
Thanks again everyone.
... If Chicago is what has done it to you, I hope my time here in Chicago does not do the same :) ... Sarah

Geeez, my son is just about to finish his last year in an MFA program at Northwestern, it doesn't seem as if Chicago has turned him into an ogre. :-) Come to think of it though he did just have his CD player stolen, hmmmm, good thing he's getting out soon. At least they didn't steal that beautiful 1984 Chevy of his, irreplacable, simply irreplacable.
Stick with it kid and if the time comes to do something else you'll recognize it I'm sure.
Steve. <= Not a kid anymore.
 
Thank you Steve. I think Chicago is a great place. But I believe Jake once told me about his job here in Chicago. I think he said he was a police officer. I guess that does show a darker side of life.

Thank you for your support and I hope your son also turns out alright after spending time here in Chicago ;)
 
Sarah,

I have a master's degree in engineering, and I'm gainfully employed even though our industry is in a slump. For that, I'm thankful. But I'd trade that in a heartbeat for a hard earned national ranking on a 9ball pro tour. Of course that doesn't even exist for the men.... :) I wouldn't care if the money wasn't there, or if it was. Follow your dreams, and the rest will take care of itself.

cheers,
jer9ball
 
Okay Sarah,

You passed the test.

Mellissa, I can't get anything past you.

The two of you should do really well on the tour.

If I can't get under your skin, then the rest of the girls on the tour will be a cakewalk.

As for Jer giving up his life for a life on the men's tour - yeah right. Unless you mean you want to be the top dog on the tour. My brother's son was accepted to IIT but is hoping he will get into MIT.

As for Chicago, It is the greatest. One can find everything they want there. Great shows, theaters, museums, art, sports stadiums and teams, etc, and the friendliest people in the world. Just don't try to convince a Sox fan to like the Cubs or a Cub fan to like the Sox. Mortal enemies. And who can forget the 1985 Chicago Bears? Or the Bulls when Jordan played for them? And taxi drivers who ask you "which one?" when you tell them you want to go to the Sears tower. And it is the home of Oprah and George Fels and Billiards Digest magazine.

But I do feel much better today. Yesterday my Dermitoligist gave me a clean bill of health. Cancer free for five years. Melanoma is not one of my favorite words. And last night I could do no wrong on the pool table and came in 1st.
That little white ball actually was obeying me. A great feeling. But then I do pick and choose my battles and where I play I am one of the best. But if I was to play in the Amateur tournaments then I would be one of the worst. Everything is relative.

Jake
 
Well, this thread sure got a lot of emotional responses.
But there is some good advice here from some of your elders!

As far as your income...according to AZBilliards you made $650 in 2001, $6100 in 2002, $7125 in 2003, and $790 so far in 2004. I'm sure this is not 100% of your income, but hardly enough to live on in the great city of Chicago.

I definitely suggest finishing college. Take some night..oops day classes (pool is a night job! lol). I suggest pursuing an education that would compliment your pool career like marketing, promotions, management. Billiards needs a great promotional genius, especially on the mens side!

Just curious but what your five years goals are? If this question is too personal then just tell me to mind my own business. :D

Good luck in all your decisions,
Jason
 
Back
Top