Thread For People That Want To Throw Their Hat In The Ring & Write A Profile

[JAM]

This sponsorship is for the trip, including flight and lodging expenses, isn't it? It should come to about $1500 (Approximately $500 entry, $500 in hotel, $500 in flight and food) .

The $500 entry fee is the right amount. However, $500 for hotel is a little low, unless the AzBilliards player representative shares a room with another. The Chesapeake Holiday Inn costs at least 80 bucks plus tax or more, if memory serves me right.

The $500 for flight and food, I guess, depends on where the AzBilliards player representative is flying in from.

Just a few tidbits to consider.

Here's a snapshot of the smoking lounge at the venue site, the Chesapeake Conference Center. Everybody was hanging out in front -- the players, fans, vendors, and spectators -- from morning until night. Virginia sure is beautiful this time of year!

JAM

 

[JAM]

Here in America, the U.S. Open is, well, just that, an OPEN tournament, and its doors are open and welcome players from around the world. Last year, the player roster filled up ahead of time, with 250-plus competitors battling it out for the championship title.

Here's a picture of Scott Smith the world-renown TD and his assistant pulling out names for the U.S. Open chart, as the players look on. Check out veteran Wade Crane looking to see who he pulled for his very first round!

JAM

 

[cuetechasaurus]

Jimmy Mendoza is one hell of a player, my vote goes to him.

 

[JAM]

Jimmy Mendoza is one hell of a player, my vote goes to him.

I think this thread will be a good one to read about the Best Qualified candidates' bios, qualifications, and any personal data of interest.

However, when the monies are collected, I think only those who contribute to the cause should be able to vote.

I am going to send in $50, worth two votes, one for me and one for Keith McCready.

At this juncture, I think we need to hear from the players who are interested in attending. So get them bios coming, boys and girls, ladies and gentlemen.

One of my favorite memories of last year's U.S. Open was getting the opportunity to meet this incredible young man, Shane from South Dakota.

What a difference a year makes, with Shane winning an IPT qualifier and getting on the IPT tour. He is the ultimate gentleman in every sense of the word. I really like this kid, shown here posing with Keith.

The U.S. Open is the stuff that pool players dream about, getting an opportunity to snatch that title.

JAM

 

[Black-Balled]

I am looking forward to the sending again!
I would add...it may be necessary for the sponsored player to come up w/ some $ too- first off, he should donate to the fund like the rest of us, second, the fund (IIRC) was $960 last year and I ended up spending another couple of hundred. I ate lots at Sheets- within walking distance of the facility- and won a couple of hundred at the pool room.

The Red Roof Inn is well within walking distance of the Convention center and (IIRC, again) was $47/ night, much cheaper than (we be chillin' at the) Holiday Inn.

 

[time_is_now]

I think this thread will be a good one to read about the Best Qualified candidates' bios, qualifications, and any personal data of interest.

However, when the monies are collected, I think only those who contribute to the cause should be able to vote.

I am going to send in $50, worth two votes, one for me and one for Keith McCready.

At this juncture, I think we need to hear from the players who are interested in attending. So get them bios coming, boys and girls, ladies and gentlemen.

One of my favorite memories of last year's U.S. Open was getting the opportunity to meet this incredible young man, Shane from South Dakota.

What a difference a year makes, with Shane winning an IPT qualifier and getting on the IPT tour. He is the ultimate gentleman in every sense of the word. I really like this kid, shown here posing with Keith.

The U.S. Open is the stuff that pool players dream about, getting an opportunity to snatch that title.

JAM

maybe Tanner would be the next youngster from SD....i believe he did play a couple times in the local traveling league with Shane on the team

 

[Timberly]

However, when the monies are collected, I think only those who contribute to the cause should be able to vote.

I'm pretty sure that's how it was done last yr... you put your vote in with your payment.

For all of you putting your hat in the ring... pay attention to what black balled said. There might not be enough raised to cover all the costs so be sure that you'll be able to fund the difference should you be chosen and good luck!.

 

[DoomCue]

The $500 entry fee is the right amount. However, $500 for hotel is a little low, unless the AzBilliards player representative shares a room with another. The Chesapeake Holiday Inn costs at least 80 bucks plus tax or more, if memory serves me right.

The $500 for flight and food, I guess, depends on where the AzBilliards player representative is flying in from.

Just a few tidbits to consider.

Here's a snapshot of the smoking lounge at the venue site, the Chesapeake Conference Center. Everybody was hanging out in front -- the players, fans, vendors, and spectators -- from morning until night. Virginia sure is beautiful this time of year!

JAM

Beautiful unless a friggin' hurricane hits! I know you remember that one, Jennie....

Last year, I paid over $100/night for the Holiday Inn - I reserved my room very early, and they wouldn't give me the players discount when I arrived. I'm going to make sure I get the damn discount this year.

-djb

 

[watchez]

Can you submit a profile/request for another player?

 

[scottycoyote]

hey jam, in that first pic you posted with wade crane, the guy on the right closest to the camera is mike triplett, i think he was in the tourney as phillip. Hes a local player i match up with time to time, i dont know if you remember him, lefty, shoots only with an open bridge, finished in the 90s. The last couple times i played him i beat him, so when he told me he went to the open and finished in the top 100 that got me thinking maybe i wouldnt get creamed when i finally make it there to play (hopefully year after next). We are both from southwestern va.........yeah theres nothing like va in the spring and in the fall

 

[Solartje]

if i was sure i could provide for the $ left in case the donations werent enough, i would send in a aplication too but i cant afford it.

maybe ill try my chance in a year or 5

ps if u REALLY insist ill send in a app but DONT laugh. I cant run more then 44 balls in straight, so i dont think i got a chance in the us open.

 

[PlynSets]

Well, I guess I will start this out.

My dad has had a pool table in the house way before I was born. As I grew, he would put me on the table and let me roll some balls around. That is when it all started. As soon as I could see over the table, he gave me a bar cue that was sawed in half. He said I use to run around the table with ball in hand and pot the balls on the table. As I kept growing older I kept getting better. I joined the youth league when I was about 10 and have been playing in that ever since. I started playing in adult leagues since I was 13 years old. When I was 14 or 15 I could keep up with most of the adults. I have been under the wings of some of the best players in my state. They have really improved my game. I have been going to more tournaments around the state, but I would like to step up my game and go to tournaments outside of South Dakota. I have a decent sized list of tournament finishes. Two of the most important finishes are: Third at Vnea Junior Nationals and First place "B" Division for state tournament.

I am lucky to have parents that support me playing pool. They take me to out of town tournaments and cheer me on.

Most people on the list earn a living full time and could probably pay for the trip if they really needed to, but I am still in school. School comes before pool. I do have a part-time job at the bowling alley, so I can start saving for college and the future. I am also in National Honor Society (NHS) and have a 3.9 GPA.

I have a great respect for the game of pool. I try to treat my opponents with the utmost respect. Pool has done a lot for me and I try to give back as much as I can. I like to help teach younger kids at youth league and help them improve their game.

Going to the US Open would mean a lot to me. It is great to have people supporting youth players. I would gain a lot of experience from watching and talking to the pros. I can probably give updates while I am down there and write a big summary when I get back.

Sorry for making that so long of a post.
Thanks to everyone for supporting me and reading this!

Tanner Pruess

Well shiat... Between this and..

Not to brag, but I thought I should list my accomplishments to show some qualifications that I might have.

Vnea State B Championship 1st place 2006 8ball
Vnea Nationals 3rd place singles minor division 2005 8ball
Vnea Nationals 5-6th team youth division 2003 8ball
Vnea Nationals 5-6th team youth division 2002 8ball
Vnea State 2nd adult team 2005 9ball
SDABA 9th B Singles 2006 8ball
SDABA 2nd Team 2006 8ball
SDABA 3rd place team 2003 8ball
SDABA 24th Singles 2005 8ball
SDABA 1st Scotch Doubles 2005 8ball
Local VNEA youth league 1st place 2 years running singles and scotch doubles 8ball
SDABA 2nd youth singles 2003 8ball
SDABA 3rd youth singles 2004 8ball
Aberdeen Open 1st place C Division
Hoven Open 1st place B Division
Bowdle Open 3rd place A Division

Also, I have been contributing to the forums since February 2005 by posting useful information and bidding on the Hurricane Katrina Auctions.
Thanks
Tanner Pruess

That, I think I'd like to put my hat back on the rack and vote for the kid to go. I'll kick up whatever cash is req'd.. As fun of an experience as I think it'd be, I think it'd mean alot more to him as a youngster then it would to me.. (Over the hill at 29)

DJ

 

[Timberly]

Can you submit a profile/request for another player?

You can submit a request for someone to be in the voting pool but they have to be members on here and should post their own resume/profile. You could of course post all the reasons why you think they would be a good candidate but wouldn't the resume/profile be best coming from them?

Tanner, have you gotten the "ok" from mom and/or dad to put your name up to vote? I would hate to see you go into the vote, win it, and then not be able to go... that's why I ask.

 

[TannerPruess]

They are talking about it. Hopefully, I will have a good answer soon.

 

[sniper]

I'd definitely be willing to contribute to someone going, but we need more profiles up!

 

[Matt_24]

I vote for sending Keith McCready. How about AZ sponsoring someone who has a legitimate chance to win?

If not Keith, then a strong player like Jimmy M...or Rude Dog, or someone at that skill level.

Just my two cents.....

 

[Cameron Smith]

I vote for sending Keith McCready. How about AZ sponsoring someone who has a legitimate chance to win?

If not Keith, then a strong player like Jimmy M...or Rude Dog, or someone at that skill level.

Just my two cents.....

I couldn't agree more. I don't think it is fair to be sending B and C level players to the US Open. We should send a person to the US Open who would benefit from the experience and grow as a player because of it. Nobody becomes a better player by being a rack boy or girl for the duration of a match.

I vote for Jimmy M. Granted I don't know who all the strong players on this forum are but I have seen him on the AZ main page, so I think he would be a good choice.

 

[jsp]

Most people on the list earn a living full time and could probably pay for the trip if they really needed to, but I am still in school. School comes before pool. I do have a part-time job at the bowling alley, so I can start saving for college and the future. I am also in National Honor Society (NHS) and have a 3.9 GPA.

Glad to read the bolded statement! If I may put you on the spot, what do you plan on studying in school/college? Would you ever consider quitting college to be a professional pool player?

 

[time_is_now]

I couldn't agree more. I don't think it is fair to be sending B and C level players to the US Open. We should send a person to the US Open who would benefit from the experience and grow as a player because of it. Nobody becomes a better player by being a rack boy or girl for the duration of a match.

I vote for Jimmy M. Granted I don't know who all the strong players on this forum are but I have seen him on the AZ main page, so I think he would be a good choice.

the SD Kid Shane Van Boning has the best chance of doing the best of any of the AZ posters...IMO

 

[TSW]

Anyone who is good enough to contend at the Open will probably go themselves, or can find someone to back them. It seems that the purpose is to send someone who honestly couldn't go to the Open, so as to give him or her a chance to experience it. Tanner sounds like a good choice.

This is supposed to be a charity thing, not an investment in potential tournament winnings.