Why Do I Do This? Long thread.

T

tom mcgonagle

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I spent my weekend playing in the Joss event at Snooker's in Providence, Rhode Island.

When I say weekend, I really mean it.

It started Saturday morning. I met Stevie Roy at ten in the morning in Burlington, Massachusetts. An hour later we landed in Providence.

The tournament started at approximately 1:00 pm.

Seventy nine players showed up. I had a first round match. I was lucky enough to win it. After waiting close to three hours I played another match. I also won that match.

More of the same thing and I played and won another match. Things were going great.

Another match and I suffer my first loss. This was a big loss. I was told I would be playing again before the end of the night. Lots of waiting led to not playing the match because the room had to close.

We left Providence at close to 2am. We arrived back in Burlington at close to three am. I drove home and the last time I looked at the clock it was 3:45. I had to be back in Providence for 10:30. I set the alarm clock, in my head and I was awake before 8 am.

I get ready and leave. I'm driving by myself, today. My partner in crime, Stevie Roy, Is sleeping in. i don't blame him. I arrive in Providence at roughly 10 am.

My first match, with Dave Fernandez goes hill, hill, of course. I manage to win it. Now I get to play Shane Cody. Shane shows all the signs of fatigue and I jump on him early. I'm leading 7-2. Of course nothing goes fast for me. He battles back and gets to six before I win the match.

My reward is Mike Dechaine. I plat extremely well and lose, 9-7. The adventure is over for me. I end up 9-12. My reward is $400. It doesn't seem like a lot, does it? That's because, it isn't.

Like I said. WHY DO I DO THIS?

I do it because it's in my blood and it's a part of my life, I LOVE. I'm sixty years old and I'm pushing myself to play and compete with people a lot younger than myself. It's not the glory. It's the competition and showing myself and the pool world, I can still make an impact.

My days of winning may be past me now. Especially at this level. But as far as being able to compete with many of these players. I think I'll keep showing up. I'm not out of my league yet and it's comforting to know this.

Did I mention? I'm playing every day. I need to. It gives me the confidence to make the tough shots, when I need them. Get out and play. That's were the answers lie to playing better. There not here sitting on your computer.

___________________________________

http://tommcgonaglerightoncue.com
 
Sounds like you had a very successful tournament. Cashed and played very competitively. Losing to Mike Dechaine 7-9 tells me that your competitive days may not be over yet. Remember, Irving Crane won a World Championship in his 60's. That's one of the great things about this game. You can be competitive as long as health holds up until the day you die.
 
Hey Tom- where are you playing everyday? Are you down in the basement or are you actually playing someone, someplace?

Shane Cody used to play in my room. Lots of potential, but he was hesitant to try his talent. Glad to see he is putting it on the line.

I wanted to play at Snookers in the worst way. But the boss said we had family things that took priority and I didn't get to go. Sad part about the Joss tour is I think that is it in our area for the year.

And, since you already answered your own question about why you do it...I guess I don't have anything to add....

Bob
 
tom mcgonagle said:
i spent my weekend playing in the joss event at snooker's in providence, rhode island.

When i say weekend, i really mean it.

It started saturday morning. I met stevie roy at ten in the morning in burlington, massachusetts. An hour later we landed in providence.

The tournament started at approximately 1:00 pm.

Seventy nine players showed up. I had a first round match. I was lucky enough to win it. After waiting close to three hours i played another match. I also won that match.

More of the same thing and i played and won another match. Things were going great.

Another match and i suffer my first loss. This was a big loss. I was told i would be playing again before the end of the night. Lots of waiting led to not playing the match because the room had to close.

We left providence at close to 2am. We arrived back in burlington at close to three am. I drove home and the last time i looked at the clock it was 3:45. I had to be back in providence for 10:30. I set the alarm clock, in my head and i was awake before 8 am.

I get ready and leave. I'm driving by myself, today. My partner in crime, stevie roy, is sleeping in. I don't blame him. I arrive in providence at roughly 10 am.

My first match, with dave fernandez goes hill, hill, of course. I manage to win it. Now i get to play shane cody. Shane shows all the signs of fatigue and i jump on him early. I'm leading 7-2. Of course nothing goes fast for me. He battles back and gets to six before i win the match.

My reward is mike dechaine. I plat extremely well and lose, 9-7. The adventure is over for me. I end up 9-12. My reward is $400. It doesn't seem like a lot, does it? That's because, it isn't.

Like i said. Why do i do this?

I do it because it's in my blood and it's a part of my life, i love. I'm sixty years old and i'm pushing myself to play and compete with people a lot younger than myself. It's not the glory. It's the competition and showing myself and the pool world, i can still make an impact.

My days of winning may be past me now. Especially at this level. But as far as being able to compete with many of these players. I think i'll keep showing up. I'm not out of my league yet and it's comforting to know this.

Did i mention? I'm playing every day. I need to. It gives me the confidence to make the tough shots, when i need them. Get out and play. That's were the answers lie to playing better. There not here sitting on your computer.

___________________________________

http://tommcgonaglerightoncue.com
Click to expand...


i like it!
 
Hi Tom;

So the $400 covered your gas, entry fee, a couple of burgers with fries, and some of those nice carrots I know you like to eat. Hell, maybe even enough left over for a haircut. :grin::grin:

I have to agree that losing to Mr. Deschaine, 9-7, is a good indicator that you still have some game. :thumbup:

To be honest, the fact that I can go out and beat up some on whippersnappers, thirty years my junior, is a genuine motivator for me, too.

Keep up the good work, Sir!

And get a haircut... lol

Best,
Brian kc
 
Tom, you gotta read my thread on Metro's S/D 9-ball tourney Total coincidence they're so similar. Yeah, I'm 67 and as crazy about it as
you are.(Although not quite at your level)
 
Tom,

I was watching all three of your Sunday matches from the peanut gallery and I enjoyed each one greatly. Hope to see you on Saturdays in Peabody.

-Patrick
 
Well done Tom, keep the faith cause your definitely still competitive. Funny I'm 52 and did almost exactly the same thing this weekend :D
 
Your living my dream retirement. Playing everyday, playing against great players, and finishing in the money in your 60's. Congrats. I'm lucky to get in 4-6hours a week. Jealous!
Cheer, Mark
 
Nice to know you can still hang with the big boys! I too feel the pressure of playing the younger talent , But! I still do it cause I like it. Don`t let no retirement home catch ya! Keep stroking and congrats on your finish!



H.P.
 
You know the deal, money won is twice as sweet as money earned so your $400 is really $800.
 
Tom, I'm not sure whether its the effort that is bothering you or the drive. If its the drive, I'll make you a deal. You come down to Prov for a tourney and I'll put you up at the Motel 6 in Seekonk. Pretty new place. Not too far from Snookers. Of course, nothing is for free. Maybe a hour of your time at the table or an order of fried pickles ? Seriously, if me and the wife can help, send me a pm.
tim
 
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