wish me well

[robert wang]

I have played pool for one year and I enjoy it a lot. I want to get as advanced as I can in pool. I'll graduate from high school in one year and I know a pool mentor/coach who is willing to train me long term after I am out of school. I may take 1-2 years or more before college to focus on pool. What do you think about my idea?

 

[sjm]

I have played pool for one year and I enjoy it a lot. I want to get as advanced as I can in pool. I'll graduate from high school in one year and I know a pool mentor/coach who is willing to train me long term after I am out of school. I may take 1-2 years or more before college to focus on pool. What do you think about my idea?

Bad idea. If you dedicate a couple of years to pool and achieve some measure of excellence, maintaining that level of excellence would require a contnually large investment of your time. The danger, and you may not even see it, is that you may find yourself less willing to revert to the educational pursuits you had in mind if things pan out that way. Go and get your college education now, not later. You may be too young to understand this, but young people are the ones with the energy it takes to be serious college students. People of all ages can take up pool seriously.

 

[Rackin_Zack]

I completely agree with SJM! I took six years off of school in between high school and university and it is much tougher to do school later in life. You have to think about the fact that after 2 years have gone by and you've gotten used to doing whatever, studying is the last thing you want to do. I currently work a full-time job and go to school both during the day. During the semester I basically start at 7am and quit around 7pm, and that's just work and classes with no studying included.

That being said, I must say that there are some benefits of postponing school for a bit. When you are older and more mature you tend to be more motivated and value the effort you have to put forth more. Just some food for thought.

 

[Banker Burt]

Dear Robert,
I agree with the replies to your question, but not entirely. I work with high school students on a daily basis, and the physical education class I teach is Billiards. I have been doing this now for six years, and have learned a great deal about giving young people direction from the teacher I work with at the school, Marcie Davis.

With this said, it is good that you want to reach a high level of compitency at playing pool, but please consider these two options knowing it will be you making the final decision -

1) Use your pool playing passion to inspire greatness with your education,
or
2) Use your educational passion to inspire your pool playing.

They can go together and is how I think you will reach the highest levels in both pool and school.

Since you've got the bug, like all of us pool players get, it is likely that you will always want to play pool and to reach the highest level possible. But don't let the bug bite you with thoughts about a great career in pool, it just doesn't happen very easily.

I am currently working with a student that proposed taking a few years off from college to reach a higher level of skill (faster). My suggestion was, "Go for it, but I won't be able to help you much if that is your decision."

Since we had been working together for about a year, he understood what I was saying without asking a single question. He knew that he had already put years of hard work into preparing for his life through high school and then two years of college, and pool only entered the picture about two years ago (at the student union study hall). So, without further discussion we continued to work on his game.

I am happy to say that he is now in his final year of college, and in just the last year advanced from a local "B" player to an "A" player. He even received year-end points money as an "A" player, and his education is solidly in place. Now he is very close to his degree and has an excellent future waiting for him. Whether he chooses to play pool or pursue his expertise in language, he will do well from the discipline and the sacrifices he has made.

Youth is universal. Without really knowing you as a person, I am sure that you know what is right. You made the comment that you will graduate from high school first, so it seems you are a good decision maker. (I do not like using the word "DON'T but in some cases it is the only word that works).

Therefore, "DON'T under-estimate yourself. Do it all."

There is a saying, "If you chase two rabbits at the same time, they will both escape." (this is referring to an eagle in chase). My response is, "If I'm fast enough I'll catch 'em both." (I am referring to a human in chase).

Barton Mahoney
PS This seemed a good time to blow my cover as -
Banker Burt, Wishing you all the best in life.

 

[sjm]

Dear Robert,

There is a saying, "If you chase two rabbits at the same time, they will both escape." (this is referring to an eagle in chase). My response is, "If I'm fast enough I'll catch 'em both." (I am referring to a human in chase).

Banker Burt, from reading your entire post, it's obvious you are a logical and intelligent guy who just doesn't want the possibility of chasing two goals simultaneously summarily dismissed. Still, while I admire your very upbeat comments, I find them idealistic to the point of bordering on impracticality.

The "rabbit metaphor" you offer simply doesn't apply here, and only would if the two pursuits of the poster that has solicited our help here were of equal value. I simply refuse to accept that excellence at pool is on a par with a good education.

 

[thebigdog]

I have played pool for one year and I enjoy it a lot. I want to get as advanced as I can in pool. I'll graduate from high school in one year and I know a pool mentor/coach who is willing to train me long term after I am out of school. I may take 1-2 years or more before college to focus on pool. What do you think about my idea?

I had the same idea when I graduated high school. I wish I hadn't made the choice I made. The fact is that I am now just getting back to college and I am 31. My biggest regret is not getting to experience college when I was young. The college experience offers a lot more than the pool hall. The pool hall will always be there, but you are only young once. The best way to experience college is when you are young. I will now be going on nights and weekends and its just not the same. I know plenty of college kids who play good pool. It can actually be a good way to earn a little extra money while you are in school. One important thing is you need to place the importance on school because there isn't much of a future in playing pool for a living.
GO TO COLLEGE, YOU WON'T REGRET IT. YOU PROBOBLY WON'T HAVE TIME TO PLAY MUCH POOL AFTER YOU SEE HOW MANY GIRLS ARE AROUND!

 

[piglit]

Go for the college degree!

Pool and college don't need to be mutually exclusive: you can do both. I offer Max Eberle, as an example. He got his degree and managed to win at least 1 Collegiate Billiards Championship along the way. Guaranteed there were times when he had to put pool on the back burner to work on school stuff, but both can be done.

Besides, think about how much your life has changed in the past year (or 5). Pool may be less appealing in your future than it is now and it would be a sad thing to have to go to a job interview and say you had spent the last few years knocking balls off the table. A college degree will open lots of doors for you.

And don't ignore thebigdog...girls, girls, girls!!

We all wish the best for you, pool or not!

-piga

 

[Banker Burt]

Banker Burt, from reading your entire post, it's obvious you are a logical and intelligent guy who just doesn't want the possibility of chasing two goals simultaneously summarily dismissed. Still, while I admire your very upbeat comments, I find them idealistic to the point of bordering on impracticality.

The "rabbit metaphor" you offer simply doesn't apply here, and only would if the two pursuits of the poster that has solicited our help here were of equal value. I simply refuse to accept that excellence at pool is on a par with a good education.

Dear SJM,

Thank you for the reply. I see where you are coming from, and agree with you that we are probably talking about apples and oranges, but both of these are good for the person.
Therefore, my intent is to only add the complimentary values of each to one's life, such as was mentioned by piglit, re: Max Eberle.

Your point is well taken, but this I do know - if my performance and effort is good at all things that I attempt, regardless of general (life) value, this will reciprocate the affects with my overall confidence.

Bart Mahoney

 

[catscradle]

I have played pool for one year and I enjoy it a lot. I want to get as advanced as I can in pool. I'll graduate from high school in one year and I know a pool mentor/coach who is willing to train me long term after I am out of school. I may take 1-2 years or more before college to focus on pool. What do you think about my idea?

NO! NO! NO! A THOUSAND TIMES NO!
If you were one of my kids, I'd hang you by your -----. The single most important thing you have to do in your life now is get a college education. I don't mean just get a degree, these days that's easy, I mean get an education. Work hard, learn something! No matter who you are, you are much more unlikely to go back to school after a few years away. You can still play pool/billiards in school, don't make the biggest mistake of your life.
Even if you aren't "college material", go learn a good trade.

 

[dooziexx]

Go to college and get your bachelors or even masters. Get a good paying job and dedicate your free time to practicing/playing pool. That way you have a steady income coming in and also enjoy pool. With the money that you make, you can probably buy a nice table and a nice cue among other things.
You can always play pool in college. When I was in college I worked at the Student Union Pool Hall/Bowling alley. It was great!

 

[piglit]

Also- a year or 2 of concentrating on pool isn't going to be enough time to become a good professional. Those guys you see up there have been playing for a loooooong time!!

-pigy

 

[robert wang]

Thanks everyone

I appreciate the advice you all are posting on this thread. I want to say thanks and wish you all well in all your pursuits.

 

[XzyluM]

Welcome to the forums. I would pursue the college education and then dedicate my time to pool. Nowadays, you can rarely find a decent and stable job without a college education. I know a guy from around here, David Smith if he catches anyone's eye. He used to be ranked 15th in the world. He has great stories about Efren Reyes and the likes. But now, he is no longer into pool. The reason was simply because he wasn't making enough money to support his hobby and family. Traveling can be tiring and expensive and without being ranked at least in the top 10, it's unlikely that anyone will be making a stable income. Pursue the college education and then pool, if pool doesn't work for you, you still have education to fall back on.

 

[piglit]

Welcome to the forums. I would pursue the college education and then dedicate my time to pool. Nowadays, you can rarely find a decent and stable job without a college education. I know a guy from around here, David Smith if he catches anyone's eye. He used to be ranked 15th in the world. He has great stories about Efren Reyes and the likes. But now, he is no longer into pool. The reason was simply because he wasn't making enough money to support his hobby and family. Traveling can be tiring and expensive and without being ranked at least in the top 10, it's unlikely that anyone will be making a stable income. Pursue the college education and then pool, if pool doesn't work for you, you still have education to fall back on.

X- Is this th David Smith from VA?

-pigi

 

[Wally in Cincy]

....: I may take 1-2 years or more before college to focus on pool. What do you think about my idea?

Very bad idea. I took a "year" off and it turned into 17 years. Believe me you will regret it.

You can go to school and still play pool for fun.

 

[Williebetmore]

I have played pool for one year and I enjoy it a lot. I want to get as advanced as I can in pool. I'll graduate from high school in one year and I know a pool mentor/coach who is willing to train me long term after I am out of school. I may take 1-2 years or more before college to focus on pool. What do you think about my idea?

Education is everything, pool is nothing (though fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable). Just my opinion after a lot of years of the former and not enough years of the latter. Your ego will be much better satisfied with a proficiency in education than a proficiency in pool (guaranteed).

P.S. - Never take advice from anonymous posters on the internet.

P.P.S. - All generalizations are wrong (including this one).

 

[sarahrousey]

Hi Robert,

I have been in your situation. I have been playing pool since I was 10 years old and ever since then I dreamed of being one of the best in the world. I finished high school when I was 17 and moved on to college. I finished two years of college. During the two years I balanced pool and school. I had the opportunity to play professionally and I took the chance. My idea for life has always been do what makes you happy. I can give you a little bit of insight into your problem...

1) You mentioned that you have only been playing for about a year. Please know that it takes quite some time to get to the highest level. If you make the decision to play pool all the time rather than school, know that you will always being playing pool because it is your job.

2) You should do all of your research into the cost of things. Find out how much it is going to cost you to get to tournaments. That includes travel expenses, entry fee, food, everything. It is very important to find those things out.

3) Know that there are options for you to play in college. Most schools have pool tables in their student union. I recently went with my little sister to the college she will be attending this fall. They had a bowling and billiard center that had 20 pool tables. I talked to the man working, he said they have a league a couple nights a week and weekly tournaments. There is also a national tournament held every year. That is what others posting here were referring to when talking about Max Eberle.

I wish you luck in whatever you choose. I'm sure you will make the right decision. Remember, do what you feel is right and what will make you happy.

Feel free to PM me or post in my forum any questions you have. I will try to help.

Good luck,
Sarah

 

[JPB]

Do not under any circumstances delay your college education. When I was in college there were cars. I'm not that old. I drove to poolhalls in my car. I played pool. Now, I didn't have the talent to play pro pool, so maybe it doesn't matter. But odds are you don't have the ability to make a decent living from playing the game. Not many do. The best players have a hard time making a living from only playing. But I always had jobs in college. I got a degree. I played pool. I had girlfriends. I drank in bars. Spent too much time in the pool hall probably. You can do more than one thing. But a college education is so much more likely to pay off it's not funny. IMO, the time to take some time is between college and graduate school. You will be sick of school and might not know exactly what you want to do. if, after playing part time in college, you can run 100's in straight pool, string 6 packs in 9 ball, play 8 and out one pocket, you may have the ability to make some money in pool with practice and dedication. Probably not as much as you could make in a career, but maybe you can make it. But there are a lot of guys who can do that who don't make a lot. Decide then. Or take a year or two to find out. But get a degree first.

Now, I have only been out of grad school around 11 years. Have a wife, a house with a pool table, can afford custom cues, and have money in the bank. We are not financially secure yet, but we have a decent shot at it in 10-15 years. Guess what? I can hop a plane and go to any pool tournament in the country. I can gamble with the best players if I wanted to. I can't think of competing with them, but I can afford to go play if I wanted. Someday I might for entertainment. Or just to go watch. Lotta pool champions can't raise bus fare out of town. So who is the sucker if we play and they win 500 off of me? Where do you think the guys I used to hang with in the pool hall are? I am talking the guys my age who didn't go on to get some education - academic or vocational I'm talking about. I don't know exactly, but I know. I saw the later versions of them on plenty of barstools in tha places where the faces didn't change for 20 years.

Don't be a fool. Go to college if you have the chance.

 

[bluemarlin]

Lotta pool champions can't raise bus fare out of town. So who is the sucker if we play and they win 500 off of me?

For some reason this reminds me of a scene @ the end of PHJ:

Mike: Total. You put down 80 thousand like it didn't matter. That's a lot of money for somebody like you and him. I think it matters.

Joe: What's the difference...

Mike: I'm a millionaire! That's the difference. I lose 80 I get another 80. For me it doesn't matter. See, I think it's you... who's sweating this, the both of you.